Henry Thoreau and Science :: Literature Poems Ecology Papers

henry Thoreau and recognitionThough best kn sustain as a literary figure, henry Thoreau showed a lasting interest in knowledge. He read wide in the scientific literature of his day and published one the beginning scholarly discussions on forest succession. In fact, some historians rate Thoreau as one of the founders of the modern accomplishment of ecology. At the identical time, Thoreau often lamented acquisitions tendency to kill poetry. Scientific writings coupled with his own careful observations often revealed life to him, hardly in other ways rendered nature lifeless. Modern-day Thoreauvians are also cognisant that science has largely become a tool for control and increase consumption, earlier than for the apprehension and protection of wild nature. This write up explores some of Thoreaus reflections on science and system, and presents his view of the proper role of science in our lives. As bequeath become clear, Thoreaus worries are occasioned by his own scientif ic endeavors. His responses to sciences insufficiencies are reformist, suggesting ways to improve and supplement science rather than discard it. Why do precisely these objects which we behold make a world? Why has man just these species of animals for his neighbors as if nothing but a mouse could have filled this crevice? Walden (1)IntroductionHenry Thoreau, like Goethe before him, showed a lasting interest in science. (2) He belonged to the Boston Natural History Society from 1850 onwards, and read widely in the current scientific literature. Beyond this, Thoreau was intensely interested in the scientific puzzles suggested by his own rambles around Concord, Massachusetts. In the years following Waldens publication he observed to a greater extent systematically and tested his hypotheses more rigorously, and published one of the first scholarly discussions on forest succession. about historians rate Thoreau as one of the founders of the modern science of ecology. (3)At the same tim e Thoreau often lamented sciences tendency to kill poetry. The scientific writings of others and his own careful observations often revealed life to him, but at other times rendered nature lifeless. (4) Modern-day Thoreauvians are also aware of sciences role in the imperialistic conquest of nature. We drive in the wild, yet science has largely become a tool for control, commodification and increased consumption, rather than for the appreciation and protection of nature. (5) The proper role of science in human society and in our own lives is thus an important issue.This paper explores some of Thoreaus reflections on science and system.