awake & reading: walden
One of my favorite chapters of Walden is the “Solitude” chapter. It is very quotable, and maybe that’s the appeal, but I also sense that this is one of those specific chapters that authentically bears the heart of the author.
First, the prose in this chapter reads much more like poetry! Descriptive imagery and personification abound, such as in the opening declaration, “This is a delicious evening,” and continuing to the end of the short chapter. It is evident he writes with purpose; he's not only extremely observant, but also very vivid in his storytelling. In Volume III of his journal he writes, “As all things are significant, so all words should be significant. . . . As you see, so at length will you say.”
He purposes to translate experience.
I think this is accomplished throughout Walden, with one focused account being the “Solitude” chapter. Thoreau begins by writing about his solitary life - the turn of a day, and the coming of the night. But he quickly points out how NOT ALONE he really is; beauty accompanies him. He conveys, in beautiful context, how this “solitude” may find him exempt from the society of men, but not from nature. And, therefore, not from God.
In light of that illustrious fact, he muses,
“Nothing can rightly compel a simple and brave man to a vulgar sadness. While I enjoy the friendship of the seasons I trust that nothing can make life a burden to me.”
… (allow time/space for pause ... feel free to leave the computer for now)…
This is one of the boldest statements I can remember from this book. It speaks of simplicity, bravery, and the distinct presence of nature against the sad tendency of life to become a burden. For me, this proclamation is a reference for day-to-day life. It is a point of view, a filter through which it is possible to see everything differently!
*I think simplicity is it’s own filter, changing our perception of static things.
*I think bravery is a point of view through which life changes shape and color.
*I think that to discover and remember the friendship of the seasons is to never be alone, except with our God.
3 comments:
Great quote Joe.
"Well-being" is such a great way to put this simple, but important type of existence in solitude.
I've always liked that tagline/sign-off deal - "Be well." What is that from? Anything specific? (I can't recall).
And, the form of "being" is itself a really important concept - worth contemplating.
I default to the master, Shakespeare.
"Be well" probably derives most directly from the Roman "te salutant." From there, every Romance language has picked it up in some form or another. In the bad old days, when health was a more fragile part of one's life (not having hospitals & doctors like what we have now), it was ever on one's mind, I'm sure.
I'm sure other cultures besides the Romans used similar expressions, but in linguistic terms, English-speakers probably inherited the expression from the Romans, based on what my professors have told me, in the past.
Personally I prefer "Godspeed." Or even "goodbye," which I guess used to be "God be with you," shortened to "God be wi'ye," shortened to "goodbye." "Be well" is a little too abstract, IMO, & I prefer a blessing from God, even if it is disguised in the all-too-commone "goodbye."
--Matt Barber
(signed in as Anonymous, 'cause I don't remember my account information)
right on, Matt.
I agree with you - the "Godspeed" has some good meaning too. And, your explanation of "goodbye" is really cool, but I don't think people know it, or think about it these days. So, that phrase wouldn't be as striking. Again, that's if you want to be striking, or if you want to stand out. For me, there are just those certain conversations, or those certain instances where the sign-off needs some substance & meaning. Needs to be striking. Sometimes, not always.
A good "Godspeed," uttered slowly and deliberately might fit nicely. Or, see a previous post about a unique sign-off.
nice to meet you Matt. Adios.
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