What idea do you get from Walden?

Answer 1

The main idea of Walden by Henry David Thoreau is that people spend too much time doing things they don't want to do in order to get things they don't need. A family mentioned in the book is a perfect example of this. The family works hard, though they dislike it, in order to be able to afford conveniences such as coffee. Henry David Thoreau then goes on to say that people should quit working so hard, and do away with things they don't need, as this would make them happier. This basic concept can be found in much of what is discussed in Walden.