Walden Essay

Modern advances have taken over every aspect of life. Although some people manage to block out some elements of the modern world, for most people that is not an option. In this day and age, avoiding technology is essentially impossible. For the vast majority of people, simplifying life is unimaginable because technological advancements are relied upon for work, school, and personal lives.

Giving up electronics is not only inconvenient, but in some cases not possible. Most jobs require at least a certain amount of technology. It is difficult to live a simple life if you are required to. Even during Thoreau’s life simplicity was fleeting. “Let us spend one day as deliberately as Nature, and not be thrown off the track by every nut shell and mosquito’s wing that falls….” (Thoreau 493). Thoreau was right in saying that people need to take a step back from their lives and appreciate nature, however, giving up one’s life in the process is not a realistic option. In Thoreau’s time period being at one with nature was much more plausible, but nowadays it is a rare pleasure to be able to detach from the chaos of modern day life. Not only at work, but also at school simply unplugging and appreciating nature is not an option. For taking notes, doing research, or even online assignments modern advances are necessary.

Aside from requirements personal enjoyment is also a reason for a more chaotic life. Although some prefer simply detaching from modern society most do not consider that an option. Socially, modern advances have made communication much easier. Though Thoreau may have viewed social networks as unnecessary they have become helpful not just for meaningless transfers of information, but have allowed better communication worldwide. “Every morning was a cheerful invitation to make my life of equal simplicity…” (489). For Thoreau simplicity was an option because he did not rely upon modern advances for anything. In today’s world however, technology is essential to every part of everyday life.

      Simplicity is not possible in this day and age due to chaotic work, school, and personal lives. Though everyone should take time for nature it is unfair to ask people to completely abandon their lives for more simple ones. Lives, uncomplicated by technology may have been within reach during Thoreau’s life time, but they are not today.