Drawing Walden by Henry David Thoreau

I read Into the Wild a few years ago and ever since, it has been one of my most frequently recommended books to friends. While an unfortunate tale, I find the protagonist’s ideals in the right place and inspiring in response to our current society.

During my read, I remember his quoting Thoreau, “rather than love, than money, than fame, give me truth.” Since then I have often encountered quotes from the author’s infamous work Walden. After finally getting around to reading, I realized why his writing is so quotable and profound.

I had tried to get into the book a couple years ago but it failed to capture my attention. However I tried again last month and I was struck by the beauty in his writings and his ability to portray the ordinary most poetically.

While there were certain passages that showed their age more than others, the values put forth feel just as relevant today as when they were written. His philosophy which advocates for simplicity and reconnecting with nature remind me of more modern minimalist philosophy, with which I am both familiar and aligned.

In my reading, it reaffirmed certain notions I already felt — the value of spending time in nature, making things yourself, being content with what you have — as well as shined light on certain others which I hadn’t thought of as much — rediscovering your childlike curiosity, . It’s a short book, but dense with wisdom, and after reading, the copy which I had borrowed from the library was swollen with sticky notes. I felt moved by Thoreau’s work and compelled to engage with it through my own. Below are my 8 drawings I made inspired by a few of my favourite passages of the book.