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"Walden (/ˈwɔːldən/; first published in 1854 as Walden; or, Life in the Woods) is a book by American transcendentalist writer Henry David Thoreau. The text is a reflection upon the author's simple living in natural surroundings. The work is part personal declaration of independence, social experiment, voyage of spiritual discovery, satire, and—to some degree—a manual for self-reliance.[2]"
It's his "independence" and "self reliance" parts that make him a hypocrite
This doesn't invalidate everything he says and does.
But it's really easy to be "independent" when someone else foots the bill for the land you're living on and you mom does your laundry for you.
TheOneCurly@lemmy.theonecurly.page 11 months ago
IMO the laundry thing is an easy example of the larger issue of extreme privilege. Being able to live on a rich friend’s property in the woods by a pond sounds awesome. I’m sure I would love that and it would do amazing things for my well-being. But that’s just not a relatable thing for most people and it can really sour the message.
Rodrck@lemmy.world 11 months ago
I understand your point. However, if someone who has smoked for 30 years and is dying of lung cancer advises you not to smoke do you dismiss them, call them a hypocrite, and then start smoking?
TheOneCurly@lemmy.theonecurly.page 11 months ago
I actually think your hypothetical smoker is a great example of the opposite. Someone who lived it, understands the struggle, and ultimately regrets their choices is exactly who you want to hear from. It’s why the really cheesy don’t smoke PSAs don’t ring a chord with most people, they don’t feel genuine.
I don’t think Thoreau is some enormous hypocrite, but I do absolutely understand why some people might feel bitter about it when they learn the greater context.
herrcaptain@lemmy.ca 11 months ago
It’s unfortunate, but if you did that you’d pretty much have to write off a good chunk of classic rock. Too many of those bands had underage girls as groupies, some to pretty extreme degrees. Here’s one article about Zeppelin that covers more ground than just them.
Lately I’ve been having a tough time with the fact that a lot of musicians and actors I’ve really enjoyed have either proven themselves to be truly sketchy people, or have some serious (but not yet proven) allegations against them. I’m not even talking about the classic rockers, but a lot of stuff has come out about current acts over the last few years - Ryan Adams, the dude from Arcade Fire, Marilyn Manson, etc.
DessertStorms@kbin.social 11 months ago
Except smoking for 30 and getting cancer is in no way comparable to exploiting and completely depending on others' labour to amass wealth and power, only to claim yourself "independent" once you made it.