Humanity is marked by strife and conflict. Whether it be against the government, or the environment, or annoying tasks we have to do on a day to day basis, humanity has had a thriving relationship with conflict. This is especially true when it comes to nature and humanity. In the case of one writer, however, compromise ruled over everything. That writer was Henry David Thoreau.

Thoreau was born in Massachusetts on July 12th, 1817. When he was old enough, he began studying at Harvard College. However, he soon left Harvard to pursue his own interests, though he did return, only to meet his soon-to-be inspiration, Ralph Waldo Emerson. Emerson urged Thoreau not only to keep a journal but also to contribute to The Dial. It was there he started publishing works such as Aulus Persius Falccus. Soon after, he moved into Emerson’s home, where he worked as a children’s tutor, as well as many other jobs. Eventually, he went back to Massachusetts and assisted with his family’s pencil business.

In 1845, Thoreau started penning one of his most famous works, Civil Disobedience. He took up residence at Walden Pond, where he lived in a small house he built by himself. Interestingly enough, he was forced to spend a night in jail because he refused to pay six years worth of poll taxes. His aunt paid those taxes, however; much to his dismay. This played an important role in furthering his political views and shaping the views he would later share in said book.

Soon after, he finished a manuscript titled A Week on the Concord and Merriack Rivers, though it garnered very little success. He moved back in with Emerson to help Emerson’s wife. As time passed, he continued to work on what would become known as Walden, or Life in the Woods, which described his time living in Walden Pond. When it was published, the book was met with praise from the likes of Robert Frost and John Updike. Thoreau continued nurturing an interest in environmentalism and natural history and kept careful notes on the natural environment around him. At one point, he even advised others to “live at home like a traveler.” He eventually died on May 6th, 1862, at the age of 44. His grave is located at the Sleepy Hollow Cemetery in Concord.

Much of Thoreau’s life was marked by a love for nature, as well as his unique perspectives behind humanity’s existence. He was particularly famous for finding a middle ground between the natural environment and urbanization. He respected the balance between the two and showed that human beings can connect to nature without forsaking their civilization. He also believed in individualism and hoped for a world without the interference of a government. He opposed slavery and was an ardent abolitionist. Funnily enough, Thoreau’s sexuality has been speculated on, with many critics believing him to be homosexual, heterosexual, and asexual.

Thoreau was a unique soul. Not only did he have an appreciation for both nature and humanity, but he also affirmed the importance of a person’s own freedom. He was a writer that was inspired by many before him, and as such, has inspired others after him. He’s a wonderful addition to the literary archives, and even after his death, has continued to impact many of his readers.