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ben_sutter's review against another edition
1.0
Seemed to me to be mostly condescending, overly-romantic, anti-Enlightenment drivel.
richo's review against another edition
5.0
A wonderful book on nature and walking in it as much as possible. One of my favorite quotes, "When sometimes I am reminded that the mechanics and shopkeepers stay in their shops not only all the forenoon, but all the afternoon, too, with crossed legs, so many of them - as if the legs were made to sit upon, and not to stand or walk upon - I think that they deserve some credit for not having committed suicide long ago."
ashcomb's review against another edition
3.0
I have wanted to read this book ever since I read Walden and started taking long walks. So you could say I had great expectations when going in, and you also know where this is going: the book didn't measure up. I'm not sure if I wanted to achieve some kind of deep revelation or experience nature through Henry David Thoreau's eyes, but I didn't get either. Not in the amount I wanted, and there is the problem. I wanted something from the book, not going in with open eyes and let the words wash over me. Bugar me.
I have three issues with the book. One is no fault of the writer, and the two are debatable. I start with the latter. The thoughts and ideas were scattered and presented in an almost incomprehensible babble. I think a round of revisions could have done good, but one has to remember Walking is formed from a lecture, thus it makes the scattered thoughts more understandable. I think my second point is also because of the lecture format. The book has contradictions, making the argumentation weak and incoherent which is a shame as the message itself is important. This gets me to my last point. What Walking is all about wasn't new to me in a sense I already agreed with him. This robbed me the aha experience. This isn't the fault of the writer.
I agree with him that walking and nature is important to our health. Both physically and mentally. Walking in the woods is a great place for self-reflection and place to learn as Henry David Thoreau wrote. There is something different and harmonious about going into nature compared to a social gathering. Yes, you will get from a party a stimulus coated with all sorts of excitement, but you also get discontent and rules and the rest which comes with society. But nature will make your mind rest and give you happiness as the recent studies have shown and as our dear philosopher knew with observation and understanding. I for one can testify that instantly I go into the woods my breathing gets easier, and I began to smile.
Thank you for reading!
I have three issues with the book. One is no fault of the writer, and the two are debatable. I start with the latter. The thoughts and ideas were scattered and presented in an almost incomprehensible babble. I think a round of revisions could have done good, but one has to remember Walking is formed from a lecture, thus it makes the scattered thoughts more understandable. I think my second point is also because of the lecture format. The book has contradictions, making the argumentation weak and incoherent which is a shame as the message itself is important. This gets me to my last point. What Walking is all about wasn't new to me in a sense I already agreed with him. This robbed me the aha experience. This isn't the fault of the writer.
I agree with him that walking and nature is important to our health. Both physically and mentally. Walking in the woods is a great place for self-reflection and place to learn as Henry David Thoreau wrote. There is something different and harmonious about going into nature compared to a social gathering. Yes, you will get from a party a stimulus coated with all sorts of excitement, but you also get discontent and rules and the rest which comes with society. But nature will make your mind rest and give you happiness as the recent studies have shown and as our dear philosopher knew with observation and understanding. I for one can testify that instantly I go into the woods my breathing gets easier, and I began to smile.
Thank you for reading!
jaygreentea's review against another edition
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
4.0
chasingredbirds's review against another edition
5.0
Maybe because I'm a classics and nature lover. Maybe because I read thia while traveling and hiking in the North East. Its a much more managable read than Walden (a book I love) and so spot on with what he feared would become of ones "freedom to walk" in the future.
buthainna's review against another edition
2.0
I don't understand how a book about appreciating the beauty and serenity of nature can be this boring.
I was amazed though, this guy used to walk "at least" four hours everyday. I love the prospect of losing yourself in the wilderness like that.
I already know a little bit about Thoreau's philosophy from reading Digital Minimalism by Cal Newport.
I was amazed though, this guy used to walk "at least" four hours everyday. I love the prospect of losing yourself in the wilderness like that.
I already know a little bit about Thoreau's philosophy from reading Digital Minimalism by Cal Newport.