Beginning of Essay
are considered two of the most influential and inspiring transcendentalist writers of their time. Both men extensively studied and embraced nature, and both men encouraged and practiced individualism and nonconformity. At first glance, one may conclude that t ....

Middle of Essay
.... 252). The connection he felt with the earth began at the mere age of five. At this young age, he was moved from the bustling city of Boston to a completely foreign setting: the Massachusetts countryside. It was after that move that Thoreau realized what had been missing in his life. "That woodland vision for a long time made the drapery of my dreams...Somehow or other it at once gave the preference to this recess among the pines...over that tumultuous and varied city, as if it (my spirit) had found its proper nursery" (Thoreau 252). About 23 years later, Thoreau moved into the forest to live alone in a small shack, and cut himself off from the ....