Taoism In Walden

Henry David Thoreau not only stands among the eminent writers in the American literary arena,but is also honored around the world.Thoreau lived in the nineteenth century,an era when Transcendentalism and the Orient met in America.In contrast with many of his contemporaries who focused on a negative Orientalismthe belief that western civilization was superior to any Oriental religion and culture,Thoreau devoted himself to a perspective of positive Orientalism which meant the fascination with and assimilation of the Oriental subjects.As the peak of Transcendentalism,Thoreau’s insight into and study of the Orient is quite noticeable.Thoreau was deeply affected by his readings of the Oriental scriptures.Thoreau’s Oriental horizons have something to do with Persia and India.However,the affinities between his ideologies and the Chinese philosophical principles will be explored in detail.It is clear that Thoreau was greatly influenced by Confucianism,which could be seen from his extensive quotations of Confucian doctrines.Although there is no direct evidence that Thoreau had been influenced by Taoism,many of his ideologies bear a striking resemblance to that of Taoism.This thesis takes the instance of Thoreau’s masterpiece Walden to explore the Taoist-like ideology conveyed within the book-conformity to the human nature,pursuit of a simple life and unity between man and nature.The thesis holds that reprioritizing Thoreau’s classis Walden in the twenty-first century from the Taoist perspective has essential spiritual,social and ecological significance ─ following our own hearts,returning to simplicity and achieving the harmony between man and nature.