I am an avid supporter of living simply and using the natural surrounds to bring out an area. Certain aspects about nature, how seemingly "wild" areas seem so perfect, put little smiles on my face. Unique 'gateways' to a field, a tranquil pond with a mysterious stone building, and calm shading to protect form the sun. These are things that are often not appreciated, which is particularly unsetting since man and nature were once in unison. Henry David Thoreau loved nature walks, which I often indulge in when school and life are both hectic (to calm myself) and not hectic (because I have time!). What I mostly agree with when it comes to Thoreau and his philosophy is that he neither rejected civilization nor fully embraced wilderness. He sought a middle ground instead, and integrated both nature and culture. Placing a bench in the middle on beautiful patch of land overlooking a pond begs for someone to sit there and contemplate with you about life, nature, and peace. Such a simple place can be so divine.
Exactly. It seems as though the ancients fled into civilization to escape the frightful gods. They had loving, agricultural gods such as Demeter. Even she though possessed a terrifying temper. Paradoxically, we "civilized peoples" want to escape back into nature - from the comfort of civilization. Thoreau is right in saying we are drawn back to the primeval world even though simultaneously we want those park benches. We're strung between two worlds.
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