Walden. By Henry David Thoreau FULL Audiobook
Here's a detailed summary of "Walden" by Henry David Thoreau:

Introduction and Setting:
"Walden" opens with Thoreau's announcement that he spent two years living a simple life near Walden Pond in Concord, Massachusetts. His experiment was both experimental and temporary, and he now resides among the civilized again. The first chapter, titled "Economy," outlines Thoreau's ideals as he describes his pond project. He defends himself against the view that society is the only place to live and recounts the circumstances of his move to Walden Pond.

The Cabin and Lifestyle:
Thoreau completed his cabin in the spring of 1845 and moved in on July 4 of that year. Most of the materials and tools he used were borrowed or scrounged from previous sites. The land he squats on belongs to his friend Ralph Waldo Emerson. Thoreau cultivates a modest bean-field to make some money, but his afternoons and evenings are reserved for contemplation, reading, and walking in the countryside. He emphasizes the values of austerity, simplicity, and solitude, contrasting his freedom with the imprisonment of those who chase material prosperity.

Nature and Society:
Despite his isolation, Thoreau feels the presence of society surrounding him. The Fitchburg Railroad rushes past Walden Pond, interrupting his reveries and forcing him to contemplate the power of technology. He converses with various people, including a Canadian-born woodcutter named Alex Therien. Frequent trips to Concord allow him to seek the company of friends and conduct necessary business. Thoreau even spends a night in jail for refusing to pay a poll tax, citing the government's support of slavery.

Observations of Nature:
Thoreau devotes great attention to nature, observing the passing seasons and the creatures he shares the woods with. He describes the habits of animals, from woodchucks to partridges. His writing combines precise scientific observations with metaphorical and poetic uses of natural phenomena.

Themes and Philosophy:
"Walden" is a record of Thoreau's experiment in simple living, focusing on self-reliance and individualism. It contributes significantly to New England Transcendentalism. Thoreau's time at Walden Pond becomes a reflection on solitude, work, thinking, and fulfillment during his break from modern city life.

In summary, "Walden" is a thought-provoking exploration of nature, self-reliance, and the pursuit of a simpler existence. Thoreau's observations and philosophical musings continue to resonate with readers, inviting us to reconsider our own lives and priorities ..
More: Walden, Henry David Thoreau, Audiobook
Non-fiction, American literature, Social critique
Western World, Nature, Solitude
Transcendentalism, Philosophy, Civilization
Economy, Reading, Higher laws



00:00:00 Chapter 1, Part 1
00:30:38 Chapter 1, Part 2
01:09:14 Chapter 1, Part 3
02:08:13 Chapter 1, Part 4
02:54:39 Chapter 1, Part 5
03:18:05 Chapter 2, Part 1
03:45:24 Chapter 2, Part 2
04:11:14 Chapter 3
04:47:07 Chapter 4
05:37:31 Chapter 5
06:09:29 Chapter 6
06:42:55 Chapter 7
07:13:12 Chapter 8
07:27:22 Chapter 9
08:40:31 Chapter 10
09:02:50 Chapter 11
09:39:17 Chapter 12
10:16:08 Chapter 13
10:59:18 Chapter 14

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