Rediscovering Thoreau's Deep Ecosophical Consciousness In Walden

Ecological philosophies develop in the course of the confrontation between anthropocentrism and ecocentrism. The former emphasizes the superiority of humans over other beings, while the latter calls for the equality among all the beings within the ecosphere.Thoreau, as an icon of ecocentrism, seeks a connection both spiritually and physically between himself and nature. He forms his deep ecosophical consciousness at Walden, and has it recorded in Walden. The basic elements of his natural thoughts have been rediscovered as one of the sources of ecological philosophies, especially deep ecology today. He emphasizes the intrinsic value of nature independent of humans; he is against the excess exploitation of nature for the sake of economic interests; he criticizes people's overevaluation of consumerism instead of quality of life; he argues for the balance between civilization and wilderness; he seeks for Self-realization within the circle of nature; he lives in his hometown all his life, visiting many places in the neighborhood, which has been viewed as a symbol of bioregionalism; his non-violent protest has been creatively used in the environmental movement today , etc. Thoreau's deep ecosophical consciousness, and his mode of life might shed light on what humans should do with the relationship between themselves and nature and the connection between civilization and environment. Seeking for the harmony and integrity of everything in nature, Thoreau, the nature lover, is undoubtedly one of the forerunners of western ecologicalphilosophies.