A collaborative search for wisdom, at Middle Tennessee State University and beyond...
"The pluralistic form takes for me a stronger hold on reality than any other philosophy I know of, being essentially a social philosophy, a philosophy of 'co'"-William James
Henry David Thoreau is in tomorrow's reading, in American Philosophy: A Love Story.
“I think that I cannot preserve my health and spirits, unless I spend four hours a day at least—and it is commonly more than that—sauntering through the woods and over the hills and fields, absolutely free from all worldly engagements. You may safely say, A penny for your thoughts, or a thousand pounds. When sometimes I am reminded that the mechanics and shopkeepers stay in their shops not only all the forenoon, but all the afternoon too, sitting with crossed legs, so many of them—as if the legs were made to sit upon, and not to stand or walk upon—I think that they deserve some credit for not having all committed suicide long ago.”
― Henry David Thoreau, Walking [Essential reading for every Peripatetic, and free online: https://www.gutenberg.org/files/1022/1022-h/1022-h.htm]
What an interesting life story but that "just walk" philosophy will stick with me forever. Times get tough, it never hurts to just take a walk to free your thoughts from burden.
Section #5 Weekly Scorecard Apr 14 - Posted a comment on "Death and meaning"
Apr 14 - Posted a comment on "Before everydayness returns"
Apr 14 - Posted a comment on "All in it together?"
Apr 14 - Posted a comment on "Survival & weekly scorecard"
Apr 16 - Posted a comment on "Jackie Robinson Day"
And suddenly, many of us have the opportunity actually to emulate Henry and spend hours a day "sauntering" the hills and fields and streets, being careful of course to keep a safe distance. Pandemics are good for that, at least.
By the way: anyone who wants a more elementary introduction to Thoreau's philosophy should pick up the series of children's picture books by D.B. Johnson, featuring an ursine version of Henry. I'll post one of them.
It’s so easy to forget the things that Henry David Thoreau preaches can be so needed and good for us in the modern world. Getting lost on the Internet is much more common than getting lost on a walk outside or getting fresh air, which honestly sometimes is needed more than any sort of virtual remedy
There are many reasons to get outside and take a walk. However, I’m not sure why those that choose to ponder life meaning while immobile are looked down on. These questions can’t be answered only in nature. #11
“I think that I cannot preserve my health and spirits, unless I spend four hours a day at least—and it is commonly more than that—sauntering through the woods and over the hills and fields, absolutely free from all worldly engagements. You may safely say, A penny for your thoughts, or a thousand pounds. When sometimes I am reminded that the mechanics and shopkeepers stay in their shops not only all the forenoon, but all the afternoon too, sitting with crossed legs, so many of them—as if the legs were made to sit upon, and not to stand or walk upon—I think that they deserve some credit for not having all committed suicide long ago.”
What an interesting life story but that "just walk" philosophy will stick with me forever. Times get tough, it never hurts to just take a walk to free your thoughts from burden.
ReplyDeleteSection #5
Weekly Scorecard
Apr 14 - Posted a comment on "Death and meaning"
Apr 14 - Posted a comment on "Before everydayness returns"
Apr 14 - Posted a comment on "All in it together?"
Apr 14 - Posted a comment on "Survival & weekly scorecard"
Apr 16 - Posted a comment on "Jackie Robinson Day"
Apr 16 - Posted a comment on "Ask an atheist day"
Apr 16 - Posted a comment on "Homo un-sapiens"
Apr 16 - Posted a comment on "Thoreau"
And suddenly, many of us have the opportunity actually to emulate Henry and spend hours a day "sauntering" the hills and fields and streets, being careful of course to keep a safe distance. Pandemics are good for that, at least.
DeleteBy the way: anyone who wants a more elementary introduction to Thoreau's philosophy should pick up the series of children's picture books by D.B. Johnson, featuring an ursine version of Henry. I'll post one of them.
It’s so easy to forget the things that Henry David Thoreau preaches can be so needed and good for us in the modern world. Getting lost on the Internet is much more common than getting lost on a walk outside or getting fresh air, which honestly sometimes is needed more than any sort of virtual remedy
ReplyDeleteThere are many reasons to get outside and take a walk. However, I’m not sure why those that choose to ponder life meaning while immobile are looked down on. These questions can’t be answered only in nature. #11
ReplyDelete