Thoreau's Quest

Book excerpt: Open the Heart of Self-Discovery through the Profound Life and Works of Henry David Thoreau Henry David Thoreau was a lover of Nature and a believer in living the simple life. Using his literary gifts to write "Walden," an account of his two-year experiment at Walden Pond, he became one of America's most important writers of the 19th century. His writing has influenced leaders such as Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King, Jr. and continues to inspire young and old alike. But what distinguished him and made his work great was his spiritual strength of character and determination to live an authentic life. "Thoreau's Quest: Mysticism in the Life and Writings of Henry David Thoreau" concentrates on this aspect of Thoreau's life, which hadn't been adequately researched and studied. In this work, you'll find out how Thoreau's principal work "Walden" was inspired by his spiritual revelations and struggles and what the deeper meanings are in key passages. Depression and the role it plays in the life of the spiritual seeker is one of the subjects Paul Hourihan delves into in light of Thoreau's extended depression after publishing "Walden," his masterpiece. Dr. Hourihan also addresses the challenges we face living our spiritual lives today. He asks "Is Thoreau's way the way for us?" And explains the special difficulties we have compared to Thoreau's time. By understanding the wisdom and strengths as well as the faults and failings of this great man of letters and seeker of truth, we can know ourselves better. "At a time like this, Dr. Hourihan performs a valuable service by his courageous reaffirmation of what is of permanent value in the life and works of one of the most original minds in American literature." - Dr. V. K. Chari, author of "Whitman in the Light of Vedantic Mysticism"