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Challenge Question #2
Susan Wheelright
"Henry David Thoreau built his wooden hut and went to stay by Walden
Pond to live simply, to observe the natural world closely, and to write. He
did not mind being thought of as different or unusual by many of the
residents of Concord. Although he walked into town regularly to visit his
family and enjoyed having visitors stop by his cabin, he preferred solitude.
"...I love to be alone. I never found the companion that
was so companionable as solitude."
From Walden by Thoreau
It took independence and courage for Thoreau to live his life as he chose. (He was not recognized as a great writer until after his death.) Can you think of a time when you thought carefully and then chose to act in way that was difficult for others to understand or support? What did you do? How did you feel when others disapproved? Did you mind? Where did you find the strength to act? Did you eventually gain the respect or understanding of others?
"If a man does not keep pace with his companions,
perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer."
From Walden, by Henry David Thoreau"
(This writing assignment and question was asked as part of the February 21, 1997 Ice-Out Update).
How to Respond to Journey North Challenge Question #2
- Address an e-mail message to: jn-challenge-ice@learner.org
- In the Subject Line of your message write: Challenge Question #2
- In the body of the message, relate Thoreau words to your experiences.
Don't Forget!
Please include the name of your school and your location so we can credit
you properly for your answers.