Henry David Thoreau Biography and Quotes

Famously Known For

Henry is famous for his book, Walden, which was a reflection on having a simple lifestyle while one is in natural surroundings. His essay, Civil Disobedience, became popular among the masses as it was regarded as a way for the people to rise against an unjust state. His contributions to natural history and philosophy are widely adopted in the current age.

Early Life

Henry was born in Concord, Massachusetts, in England to John Thoreau and Cynthia Dunbar. His father was a famous pencil maker. He was named after his uncle David Thoreau, who passed on a few months before his birth.

Personal life

Henry Thoreau did not marry or have children throughout his entire life, and neither is there a record of a mistress. Some scholars have suggested that he was homosexual, judging from his homoerotic statements in his writings.

Career

Henry got struck by natural history as well as writing about travel and adventure. He read many books whose theme was botany, which would later influence his works. Henry qualified as a surveyor and would gather information on the natural history of his town.

He wrote the findings of his observations on a personal journal that he kept private for 24 years. His works have depicted him as an analyst as he was keen to note the ecological patterns on both plants and animals. Henry traveled across Canada and North America, gathering knowledge and reading books written by accomplished authors.

He was fascinated by the vastness of different people, cultures, religions, and natural history. This is evident in the commentaries he left in his journals.

Death

Henry David died on May 6, 1862, aged 44 from complications caused by tuberculosis.

Quotes by Henry David Thoreau

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