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Simplicity, sensuality and politics in Henry Thoreau
Alison Hulme
‘economy is a high, humane office, a sacrament, when its aim is grand; when it is the prudence of simple tastes, when it is practiced for freedom, or love, or devotion’ (cited in Shi, 2007:133). Thoreau wrote prolifically on a variety of subjects, including natural history, philosophy and pressing issues of his day such as slavery.4 However, it is Walden, his account of a year-long experiment in simple living which he embarked upon on 4 July 1845, which he is now best known for.5 Despite selling disappointingly in his own lifetime, since Thoreau’s death, Walden has