Thoreau, writing to his Harvard class of 1837, a year into his Walden experiment wrote: “I have found out a way to live without what is commonly called employment or industry…My steadiest employment, if such it can be called, is to keep myself at the top of my condition, and ready for whatever may turn up in heaven or on Earth
Thank you for another thought provoking essay! Yes, the quest to find meaningful "work" to afford even life's barest needs is not an option for so many who must take any job & many never expect it to be enjoyable August Wilson worked odd jobs (many, like selling insurance, that he disliked) while writing at night, until in his late 50s his plays were recognized, appreciated & he could write full-time. What a gift to have the courage to engage in introspection, as you do; to imagine a different path than the ones laid before you and to resist the pressure to adhere to others' notions of what you "should" do. No wonder you love Thoreau - a kindred spirit!
I'm just now reading Kevin Dann's book, EXPECT GREAT THINGS, THE LIVE AND SERCH OF HENRY DAVID THOREAU (motivated by your interest in his writings & life). P. 16: "At the heart of Homer, Virgil, Milton, Shakespeare, and all of the other authors he (Thoreau) loved throughout his youth, Thoreau found story." Thoreau wrote, "The Love of Stories and of Story-telling, cherishes a purity of heart, a frankness and candor of disposition, a respect for what is generous and elevated, a contempt for what is mean and dishonorable, a proper regard for, and independence of, the petty trials of life, & tends to multiply merry companions and never-failing friends."
Thank you, beloved Danika, for sharing your thoughts in a way that is both comforting and challenging.
This is beautiful and poignant! The resonance is off the charts, how brave it is to follow the heart and soul in this world!!!
Thank you for another thought provoking essay! Yes, the quest to find meaningful "work" to afford even life's barest needs is not an option for so many who must take any job & many never expect it to be enjoyable August Wilson worked odd jobs (many, like selling insurance, that he disliked) while writing at night, until in his late 50s his plays were recognized, appreciated & he could write full-time. What a gift to have the courage to engage in introspection, as you do; to imagine a different path than the ones laid before you and to resist the pressure to adhere to others' notions of what you "should" do. No wonder you love Thoreau - a kindred spirit!
I'm just now reading Kevin Dann's book, EXPECT GREAT THINGS, THE LIVE AND SERCH OF HENRY DAVID THOREAU (motivated by your interest in his writings & life). P. 16: "At the heart of Homer, Virgil, Milton, Shakespeare, and all of the other authors he (Thoreau) loved throughout his youth, Thoreau found story." Thoreau wrote, "The Love of Stories and of Story-telling, cherishes a purity of heart, a frankness and candor of disposition, a respect for what is generous and elevated, a contempt for what is mean and dishonorable, a proper regard for, and independence of, the petty trials of life, & tends to multiply merry companions and never-failing friends."
Thank you, beloved Danika, for sharing your thoughts in a way that is both comforting and challenging.