Thoreau and Cultural Change of the Sixties free essay sample

This paper discusses the works of Henry David Thoreau and the debate whether his writings were truly an influence on the 1960s cultural revolution, or if his works were misconstrued by society. This paper examines the influence of Thoreau?s writings on the 1960?s Cultural Revolution. It looks at the cultural change that took place during the 60s and how his writings laid the foundation for the social system, which prevails in America today. The author also discusses the argument that Thoreau?s views were not in conformity with the cultural change of 60s, rather different generations formed own their views and presented contorted interpretations of Thoreau?s beliefs. In order to gain a better understanding of Thoreaus writings, it is important to discuss the movement and philosophy, which had a major impact on his work. Thoreau was an unknown and unpublished writer when Ralph Waldo Emerson published Nature, an essay which articulates the philosophical underpinnings of the Transcendentalist movement. We will write a custom essay sample on Thoreau and Cultural Change of the Sixties or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page This religious and social philosophy aimed at encouraging independent spiritual thinking. Most of the proponents of this movement were Unitarian ministers who dismissed the rationalist and conservative view of life. Thoreau later became an influential part of this movements and along with Emerson, he also came to be regarded as the one the greatest American thinkers and philosophers. The writings of Emerson had been an inspiration for Thoreau and his writings often illustrate the same philosophical depth. In his famous essay Nature, Emerson wrote, The foregoing generations beheld God and nature face to face; we, through their eyes. Why should not we also enjoy an original relation to the universe Why should not we have poetry and philosophy of insight and not of tradition, and a religion by revelation to us, and not the history of theirs?