Book Review: Consciousness in Concord By: Nishanth Balaji

 

Book Review: Consciousness in Concord 

By: Nishanth Balaji

Consciousness in Concord, edited by Robert Sattelmeyer, provides a fascinating look into the personal thoughts and reflections of Henry David Thoreau through his journal entries. These journals, spanning years of Thoreau’s life, offer readers an unfiltered view of his innermost thoughts on nature, society, and the development of his philosophy. While Thoreau is best known for his published works like Walden and Civil Disobedience, these journals reveal the daily observations and reflections that would later inform his more polished writing.

A Window into Thoreau’s Mind

One of the most compelling aspects of Consciousness in Concord is how it allows readers to see Thoreau’s mind in action. His journal entries are filled with musings on a wide range of topics, from the changing seasons to the injustices of society. What makes this collection particularly engaging is the rawness of Thoreau’s thoughts—these are not the carefully edited arguments of his essays but rather the spontaneous reflections of a man who was constantly observing, thinking, and questioning.

In many entries, Thoreau reflects on the natural world, offering detailed descriptions of the flora and fauna of Concord. Yet, these descriptions are never purely observational; they often serve as starting points for deeper philosophical reflections. For instance, a simple observation about a bird’s flight might lead to a meditation on freedom and the constraints of society. This interplay between the external world and Thoreau’s inner thoughts is what makes these journals so captivating.

The Evolution of Thoreau’s Ideas

Another fascinating element of Consciousness in Concord is how it reveals the evolution of Thoreau’s ideas over time. Many of the themes that would later become central to his major works—such as self-reliance, simplicity, and civil disobedience—are explored in these journals in their nascent form. Readers can trace the development of these ideas, watching as Thoreau refines his thoughts and gradually shapes them into the arguments that would later appear in his published essays.

For example, in early entries, Thoreau reflects on the concept of individualism, grappling with the tension between living for oneself and participating in society. These early reflections would later be fully fleshed out in Walden, where Thoreau champions the idea of living deliberately and independently. Seeing these ideas in their formative stages gives readers a deeper appreciation for Thoreau’s intellectual journey.

Personal Reflections

As someone who has read Thoreau’s more famous works, I found Consciousness in Concord to be a refreshing and insightful look at the man behind the philosophy. His journals offer a more intimate view of his thoughts, revealing not just his intellectual side but also his emotional and spiritual struggles. It was fascinating to see how Thoreau’s personal experiences—his walks in the woods, his interactions with neighbors, his observations of the weather—shaped his broader philosophical ideas.

One of the most impactful aspects of this collection for me was how Thoreau’s journals invite the reader to reflect on their own life. His habit of finding meaning in everyday moments encouraged me to pay closer attention to my own surroundings and to consider how my daily experiences influence my thoughts and beliefs.

Conclusion

Consciousness in Concord offers a rare and valuable glimpse into the mind of Henry David Thoreau. Through his journal entries, readers can see the evolution of his ideas and gain a deeper understanding of the experiences that shaped his philosophy. For anyone interested in Thoreau’s life and thoughts, this collection is a must-read. It not only provides insight into his intellectual development but also serves as a reminder of the power of reflection and the importance of finding meaning in everyday life.

Works Cited

Henry David Thoreau, Franklin Benjamin Sanborn, Henry Stephens Salt. All Nature Is My Bride. Boston, Houghton, Mifflin & Co, 1865.