The Unexamined Life is Not Worth Living

Paper Summary:

This paper discusses how, in "Walden", Thoreau invites his readers to explore the ideas he develops regarding the search for truth, self-reliance, and economic simplicity. It is his hope that in doing so we might be inspired to look beyond our accepted place in society and discover a more satisfying life, one whose greater simplicity leads to greater fulfillment. It looks at how we can find the ultimate truth in nature, based on Thoreau's findings, and how we can use his philosophy to live better and more fulfilled lives.

From the Paper:

"Thoreau suggests that his readers should only acquire the necessities of life: Food, Shelter, Clothing, and Fuel. He notes that men feel compelled to use more than what is necessary, and that they often wear more clothing than would be needed simply to protect the body. Everything we need is already provided for in Nature, he argues. His philosophy on economics is to reduce life to its most simple form, keeping possessions to a minimum. He contrasts others' preoccupation with money and his own enjoyment of non-monetary wealth, and concludes, "A man is rich in proportion to the number of things which he can afford to let alone" (125). His definition of rich reflects the opportunity for spiritual and intellectual gains rather than money."

More papers on The Unexamined Life is Not Worth Living:

• Essay # 9397 : "The Examined or Unexamined Life"
• Essay # 41655 : "A Dead Socrates and a Happy Cat"
• Term Paper # 75689 : "Socrates"

APA Citation:

MLA Citation: