Thoreau’s Experiment

Jessica Cha

January 23, 2017

English period 3

Ms. Harris

Thoreau’s Experiment

Most people who live alone have an 80% high chance of having depression than those who live with other people, according to a recent study. Now imagine living alone, in the woods, a mile form any neighbor and without any technology devices. In 1845, this is exactly what Thoreau did for two years. However, today with all the new technology, it almost seems impossible to live without them. Thoreau’s experiment would be possible today, because anyone can live in isolation if they have the determination for it and there is still a sufficient amount of natural resources to survive off of today.

In any case, whether it was 200 years ago or today, Thoreau’s experiment is possible with self- determination although it may not seem like it. Determination is the leading factor in success no matter what your goal is. Without the determination, one may never reach their goals. Self-determination is created when one has passion for something they believe in which is what Thoreau had when he went through with his experiment. Generally, strong will, drive, and dedication is what keeps one going to continue fighting for a goal. Thoreau knew it would be hard to live alone but he did it because he wanted to live simply by the labor of his own hands. People had much doubt this would be impossible then, but he succeeded to remain strong and accomplish his goal. It is clear from the explanation that anything is possible when one puts their mind up to it like Thoreau with his experiment.

On the other hand, natural resources are crucial to surviving alone in the woods, and fortunately, there is still a great amount of today which means Thoreau’s experiment would still be possible. There are hundreds of natural resources that the world relies on for everyday tasks. When Thoreau lived in the woods, he needed the main essentials such as water, timber, and many more. If one was able to find the right environment to live in, there will still be enough resources to survive off of. Thoreau definitely needed a great amount of resources since he wasn’t using anything else but what is around him naturally. Fortunately, the same resources are still here to use so that Thoreau’s experiment would still be able to work today. In conclusion, surviving without all the new commodities would be possible today because of the mass quantity of natural resources the world still has.

During Thoreau’s experiment, there was no iPhones, MacBooks, or anything that is near what any of the people own today. Due to this, it was less of a struggle to leave what Thoreau had when he went to the woods; now, there is so many new inventions that everyone uses day to day which