Henry David Thoreaus Work and Modern Environmental Thinking - Case Study Example

THE INFLUENCE OF HENRY DAVID THOREAU’S WORK TO MODERN ENVIRONMENTAL THINKING By Location The Influence of Henry David Thoreau’s Work to Modern Environmental Thinking Introduction Henry David Thoreau was a philosopher, born in July in 1817. From his childhood, he had an interest in nature, which was inculcated by his mother. Therefore, he focused on explorations of the environment, a factor that motivated the development of a high level of intimacy with nature. He acquired secular education at Concord Academy and later at Harvard. His interest in nature and the environment specifically later grew a factor that became evident in his different writings. During that era, he began what many would refer as activism and highlighted the need for environmental governance. Notably, the environment was a concept developed to highlight the efforts made by the government, the civil society, and the political realm in the promotion of environmental sustainability. Since Thoreau was very close to nature, he understood the value of having policies that promoted sustainable development. Although there had been no other environmental activist, Thoreau was determined to actively advocate for governance of the environment through his writing. After his death, his works would become renowned for their value in the promotion of environmental sustainability. This paper will discuss the relevance of Thoreau’s work in the current environmental thinking. Brief Description of Thoreau’s Convictions of Environmental Sustainability and his Works During his lifetime, Henry David Thoreau authored several works, which highlighted the importance of preserving the nature. In his works, he made evident his passion for nature as well as his commitment towards the promotion of sustainable development. In one of his works titled, ‘Walden’, he presented a description of the nature that he has observed during one of his explorations of the environment. Thoreau had studied the Walden Woods in detail, explaining why he persistently described the value of nature to human beings. His conviction that citizen, the civil society, the political regime, and the government were all responsible for the preservation of the environment compelled him to perform a daring experiment. For many years, people had not given attention to his ideas highlighting the value of environmental conservation (Buell et al 2004, n.p). Therefore, he sought to reside in the woods for some time in a bid to prompt the people to listen to his ideas. Moreover, he intended to become more connected to different aspects of nature. Being a philosopher, he had the conviction that a close connection to nature resulted in a higher level of spirituality (Coates 2005, p. 587). During his time, urbanization and industrialization were becoming common aspects in different societies. Evidently, activities linked to the processes of urbanization and industrialization proved unfriendly to the environment. This is the reason why Thoreau chose to become a voice that could publicly air the grievances related to the destruction of nature. He clearly observed that people were slowly being detached from the environment. With the emergence of capitalism, some individuals had been overwhelmed by the possibility of creating wealth and only promoted their financial interests at the cost of the environment. Many capitalists acted in a way that degrade the environment, and seemed unaware of the potential risks of a degraded environment (Teaching Students about the Environment with Henry David Thoreau 2008, p. 14). Thoreau’s work mentioned above which was titled, Walden did not receive much attention during his life. Many people ignored his close attachment to nature and his efforts to voice out the environmental degradation that was going on. However, in this work, he described his detailed experience of living in the Walden woods. During that time, he resided next to a pond, man experience that he gave regard as one of his achievements. The purpose of his experiment in the woods was being able to lay his focus on the critical facts of life (Thorson 2014, p. 67). Throughout the experience, he recorded all his observations concerning nature in his journal, which would be published later. During that period, he focused on sharing the knowledge he had obtained with visitors and friends who were interested in his experiment at the pond. The work titled ‘Walden’ was one of the most influential, but it was only published after a long time because of the disinterest exhibited by many publishers. However, after his death, some individuals who had read some of his works began to create publicity on the value and the significance of his writings. Notably, his work was read for several years independently before it was incorporated into other pieces of work. The period after his death registered the highest interest from people concerning his work (McElmeel 2007, p. 34). It was at that point when people began to appreciate his contribution to environmental preservation. Moreover, during that time, the adverse effects of capitalism, industrialization and urbanization were becoming more evident a factor that compelled many readers to begin to appreciate his work (Andersen 2010, p. 43). Thoreau’s Contribution to Current Environmental Thinking The role played by Henry David Thoreau cannot be underestimated. Long after his death, his words evident in his writings have remained to be influential in the society. Over the years, the popularity of his writings and his advocacy for environmental sustainability has led to his recognition as the founder of environmental governance. His writings have served to shape his legacy, which was focused on the responsibility of citizens and governments in environmental protection. Notably, the environmental degradation observed by Thoreau in the 19th century has only served to increase tremendously (Turner 2009, p. 89). During Thoreau’s time, capitalism and industrialization were only beginning to sprout. People who have survived to see the 21st century are more aware of the adverse effects brought by industrialization and capitalism (da Rocha 2009, p. 201). In the modern day, there are numerous environmental problems that human beings have brought upon themselves and that need urgent addressing. This is the reason why the concept of environmental governance is being given attention across the globe. Notably, the ideas presented by Thoreau have contributed to the numerous modern organizations, whose purpose is to promote sustainable developments (Lauter 2010, p. 593). Thoreau highlighted the role of the government and its citizens of engaging in active protection of the environment. In the modern day, governments have developed policies whose objectives are to achieve sustainable development. After many years of ignorance, it has dawned on humankind that environmental preservation is of critical value. This serves to prove Thoreau’s work very relevant in the modern day. The Thoreau Society formed in honour of the philosopher engages in activities related to environmental sustainability. Moreover, the society offers scholarships to individual’s exhibiting interests in environmental issues. The Henry David Thoreau Foundation was also formed with the mission of offering encouragement to individuals exhibiting interest in the environment so that they can pursue related courses. Moreover, the foundation ensures that such individuals have a positive impact on a global scale after their education (Tallmadge 2011, p. 227). The Legacy of Thoreau served as one of the critical factors that led to the formation of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which is based in America, but has activities of promoting environmental protection across the globe. The EPA focuses on multiple activities related to environmental sustainability. The role it plays in the modern day across the globe is a reality of what Thoreau had conceived in the 19th century. Thoreau was well aware that human beings needed to actively participate in the protection nature. The EPA is carrying such activities on a global scale and encouraging citizens and volunteers to take part in environmental protection in the areas where they live. Thoreau’s writings have not only been influential in the United States context, but also in the global front. Other countries are actively involved in environmental protection and have several organizations whose purpose is to promote environmental sustainability. For example, in the Australian context, there are different organizations whose main objectives are ensuring that both the environment is protected and that biodiversity is conserved. Unlike in the Thoreau’s era when people exhibited minimal concern for the environment, Thoreau’s work persistently persuaded many people to have a consideration for the environmental protection. He has been recognized s a founder of the environmental protection movement and many people are becoming aware of the importance of protecting the environment (Fletcher 2004, p. 76). Although there is evidence that gross environmental degradation has taken place, resulting in deforestation, global warming, critical changes, and other harsh environmental conditions, the globe can only hope that through the current efforts of reversing the degradation caused by human beings that the environment will be saved. The realities surrounding environmental degradation in the modern day have often compelled people to reconsider establishing a connection with nature, just as Thoreau did (Philippon 2004, p. 110). Conclusion Evidently, Henry David Thoreau is one of the philosophers who deserve recognition as having played a critical role in environmental preservation. During his life, he became close to nature a factor that made him appreciate all the different aspects of nature. After his realization that capitalism and industrialization were ruining nature, he began to influence people to adopt environmental protection strategies through his writings. Although he received little regard during his lifetime, his works gained popularity after his death and has since remained influential in the modern perspectives on environmental protection. Without doubt, Thoreau is considered as the founder of the concept of environmental governance. 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