citingKylah
Oct 4, 2011
Writing Feedback / How far mankind has come from its previous, simpler way of living [2]
This is my assignment in my English Composition 101 Course:
In the essay "Economy", by Henry David Thoreau, he laments how far mankind has come from its previous, simpler way of living, with only the bare necessities to get us by and keep us happy. His essay was written in the mid-1800s, but much of what he discusses could be discussed today, as well. However, whether or not is a discussion we should be having is another point entirely.
Do you believe that Thoreau's lamentations are justified, and his ideal life of austerity should be practiced more in modern society?
Write an essay of 500+ words that argues whether or not "simple living" would be beneficial--or, even, possible--in modern society.
My Ideas ....
Would it make sense to explain how the argument Thoreau makes about desperation [a] , does not apply in modern society.
That way I could make my claim of how society doesn't want to live an austere life, they value more and that austerity is found in different aspects of our culture as a whole anyway.
Examples: (Native Americans to an extent) (3rd World Countries) (Hippies/Gypsies/Bohemians).
I was going to warrant this by pointing out how desperation would be found in some part of peoples' lives in pursuit of happiness and also, that it is needed to motivate one to achieve that.
Lastly I would point back to how people value more than just a plain life because it is boring.
People have drive and ambition to do more with themselves.
-Random thought also- would it be possible for me to make the argument that going back to an austere life leads to people wanting to become more complex and differentiated. [I had a sociology source for this argument. Herbert Spencer]
I just want to make sure that I'm staying on topic with these points and if they make sense.
[a] quote : The mass of men lead lives of quiet desperation.
This is my assignment in my English Composition 101 Course:
In the essay "Economy", by Henry David Thoreau, he laments how far mankind has come from its previous, simpler way of living, with only the bare necessities to get us by and keep us happy. His essay was written in the mid-1800s, but much of what he discusses could be discussed today, as well. However, whether or not is a discussion we should be having is another point entirely.
Do you believe that Thoreau's lamentations are justified, and his ideal life of austerity should be practiced more in modern society?
Write an essay of 500+ words that argues whether or not "simple living" would be beneficial--or, even, possible--in modern society.
My Ideas ....
Would it make sense to explain how the argument Thoreau makes about desperation [a] , does not apply in modern society.
That way I could make my claim of how society doesn't want to live an austere life, they value more and that austerity is found in different aspects of our culture as a whole anyway.
Examples: (Native Americans to an extent) (3rd World Countries) (Hippies/Gypsies/Bohemians).
I was going to warrant this by pointing out how desperation would be found in some part of peoples' lives in pursuit of happiness and also, that it is needed to motivate one to achieve that.
Lastly I would point back to how people value more than just a plain life because it is boring.
People have drive and ambition to do more with themselves.
-Random thought also- would it be possible for me to make the argument that going back to an austere life leads to people wanting to become more complex and differentiated. [I had a sociology source for this argument. Herbert Spencer]
I just want to make sure that I'm staying on topic with these points and if they make sense.
[a] quote : The mass of men lead lives of quiet desperation.
