Essay on Henry David Thoreaus Integrity - 604 Words

Henry David Thoreaus Integrity Although his actions were admirable and act as evidence to integrity, the writings of Henry David Thoreau and Emerson reveal a haughty and pretentious individual. Thoreaus courage was noble. He was quick to immerse himself in his beliefs and abandon any obligation to social norms despite the risk in damaging his reputation. His rejection of societal limitations and steadfast individualism was truly commendable, however, his mannerisms were extremely rude. He cast aside all tact and consideration of others because he was so consumed with himself. â€Å"He coldly and fully stated his opinion without affecting to believe that it was the opinion of the company. It was of no consequence, if every one present†¦show more content†¦This can be deduced as being pompous and stubborn or generous and independent. He was self sufficient but this strength can be somewhat aggravating. Thoreau felt so superior to his peers that he denied any aid in order to maintain his aloof character. Th at way, he never owed his accomplishments to anybody. There was nobody to be thankful for. â€Å"He seldom thanked colleges for their service to him, holding them in small esteem, whilst yet his debt to them was important.† (p. 1235) Every success was attributed to solely his own achievements and never that of another institution. In that same realm, Thoreau keeps a distance with the reader and speaks with a holier than thou air. He is consumed with his experiences and idolizes himself because he allows no respect for the rest of society. He treats himself as royalty in that no other individual could compare to his triumphs. Actually, the laboring man has not leisure for a true integrity day by day; he cannot afford to sustain the manliest relations to men; his labor would be depreciated in the market. He has no time to be any thing but a machine. (p. 1809) He is denouncing the average working man and offending the majority of humanity. When describing Walden, Thoreau constantly makes references to celestial beings and persons of royalShow MoreRelatedThoreau On The Duty Of Civil Disobedience Rhetorical Analysis1250 Words   |  5 Pagesto this war than many others. Henry David Thoreau took both passive and active efforts to voice his antagonism to the conflict by refusing to pay a tax that he believed supported the ideology behind the war that the United States was partaking in at the time. Later, he contrived an essay that outlined his philosophies of resistance, and created a basis for his means of protest that he believed should be placed in the mindset of the general public. Throughout Thoreaus essay, he illustrates his vastRead MoreEssay The Incredible Henry David Thoreau1081 Words   |  5 Pagesbegan to question the integrity of their government. Henry David Thoreau was one such man. 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