I am fascinated with the apparent fascination that Henry David Thoreau had with sitting on pumpkins. During his time spent at Walden Pond, this issue came up on a number of occasions. And his opinion on the sitting on of pumpkins seemed to vary on a whim. For example:
"I would rather sit on a pumpkin and have it all to myself than be crowded on a velvet cushion."
This is near the beginning of the book when he is still feeling the need for isolation; seems to be craving some "alone time".
Further in the book as he is furnishing his shack and trying to remain within his limited budget, he ponders:
"None is so poor that he need sit on a pumpkin. That is shiftlessness. There is a plenty of such chairs as I like best in the village garrets to be had for taking them away."
Although I may not always agree with Thoroeau and his philosophies on acquiring home furnishings, I do agree with the following:
"Most of the luxuries and many of the so-called comforts of life are not only not indispensable, but positive hindrances to the elevation of mankind."
Thanks, Henry.
And Miranda, How do you feel about sitting on pumpkins? ;-)
He was an enigma, an oddity that few came to understand during his all too brief life. His name surfaces regularly on notable quotable lists, but a handful of brief one-liners does not sufficiently encapsulate the man and his genius. I seek to bring Henry David Thoreau to the Everyman. I desire to make available his unique perspective, showing how his 19th-century wake-up call can give our present-day chaos the shot in the arm it needs, as only Henry can do it.
Who Does She Thinks She Is?
I am an old soul. It matters not my age nor my global position; my heart has made a connection with one of the literary greats and I seek to introduce a man that few bother to understand. Henry would probably see me as one of the sillies, caught up too much in the ridiculousness that is modern life, but I desire to take a page from his book and simplify, simplify, simplify!
Monday, February 20, 2012
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