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Learning Simplicity from Thoreau

 

            "We should help others, not hurt them." Ever since childhood, we were taught to embrace equality, friendship, and love. One was not higher than the other, one was not lower. We are all unique and special, but we should treat others as we want to be treated as well as apply initial respect. However, there is a silent oppression that many refuse to accept. That is gender inequality and violence against women. No one knows what happens behind the closed doors of our houses, and as much as we cheer equality, can it ever be achieved? Even in the vice-versa situation where women are dominant and men suffer- the imaginary balance can never stand still. Though a slim branch, this issue connects to the large trunk of the values of life. .
             "Where I Lived, and What I Lived For," is a text written by Henry David Thoreau, describing how materialistic and monotonous everyone's lives are, as well as how people waste life's full potential. In order to write such an insight life-changing text, he took a break from the social, busy world he lived in and took refuge in a woodland cabin- depending only on himself. He describes life as overly accessorized, when people can choose simplicity and remain sustained. "When we are unhurried and wise, we perceive that great and worthy things have any permanent and absolute existence, that petty fears and petty pleasures are but shadows of the reality" (Thoreau). All in all, he's telling people to slow down and enjoy the view. As advancements in society and technology occur, many people live in a rush, and they lose the true meaning of lives. .
             Although Thoreau's edition of soul-searching was far larger, I did a little thinking about my own purpose for living, and created a metaphor. After much thought, I decided to describe myself as a dandelion that delivers hope despite the little power I possess. Even though my role seems repetitive, I grow stronger and stronger as time passes by.


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