Walden by Henry David Monroe

There is an endless amount of different perceptions on life. When these different perceptions come together, they often conflict with one another. This leads to people developing their own views that have qualities of certain others. A person's life was given to them with a plan, which we all should follow. However, sometimes we face obstacles that bring our life onto a different path. In this passage, taking out of Walden by Henry David Monroe, he uses figurative language to convey his message. The central idea of the passage questions perception of life and the ability to find our real meaning to our individual life as shown by his youse of figurative language.

Throughout this passage, the author yearns the reader to strive for a simpler life then what is generally lived. "Let us spend one day as deliberately as Nature", Monroe continues, "and not be thrown off track by every nutshell and mosquitos wing that falls on earth"(Lines13-14). He uses diction to convey that we should live our life as "Nature" does. Calling into questions everyday life practices, the meaning of life should be looked into in a deeper fashion. This focuses the reader to broaden the perception of life and it's meaning. He is trying to convey the message that we place too great of importance on nonessential things in our lives. This is further supported when he says "let us not be upset and overwhelmed in that terrible rapid and whirlpool, we call dinner"(Line 18). In essence, this describes living life as a minimalist. Minimalism is usually always thought of material objects but often is not. This includes what's on your mind, what someone needs, and everyday relationships. Conflicting ideas and beliefs come together which we spend too much time on. These ideas dwindle our individual meaning of our life and only serve as a obstacle on our path. The author explains how time is valuable, which means we should pick the simplest and most effective path. We should be able to choose our own path and not be pushed along which "the mud and slush of opinion"(line 23) causes us to do. The author challenges the normal societal views on life with unconventional views.

Furthermore, our perception on life has a large impact on how it is going to play out. Our mindset will ultimately determine whether or not we live out our life to its fullest potential. The obstacles we face dull the path to the life we are meant to live. Our ability to find our path all depends on us taking the most spartan-like path. With this we live out our life the way it was meant to be, achieving our full potential.