First blog post

I feel upon relating Thoreau's ideas about nature to Cronon's, there seems to be both similarities and differences with both readings. In Thoreau's experience, despite the idea of isolation, there was still a connection with humanity present. For example, in Walden, we see that Thoreau wasn't entirely alone. Along with that, his view of nature seemed sublime enough in the sense where the connections and metaphors he created secured the positive outlook it held. Thoreau states that: "Every part of nature teaches that the passing away of one life is the making room for another." I personally feel there's merit in what he says, however, Cronon questions Thoreau's thought process by asking if wilderness is this place to retreat to. I enjoy the fact that Cronon doesn't completely dismiss Thoreau, rather, he does agree with him to an extent by stating that: "I celebrate with others who love wilderness the beauty and power of the things it contains." Here, Cronon is a person who is shown connecting with nature. It shows that he is personable and that he can appreciate the idea of nostalgia, but at the same time he can set that aside and approach nature in a different way whereas Thoreau doesn’t necessarily do that.

I like Cronon’s way of thought because it appears more realistic. It's not romanticized to the extent where it becomes fabricated. Cronon seems to be very aware. He goes as far to offer William Wordsworth's poem, The Prelude, as an example in which: "...the poet felt himself literally to be in the presence of the divine-and experienced an emotion remarkably close to terror." Cronon states that Wordsworth's time in nature "was nothing less than a religious experience." Here, instead of nature being presented as this wonderful, flawless creation, Wordsworth basically describes the chaos it holds as well.

Another aspects of both outlooks lead me to believe how easy it was for Thoreau to create a home for himself. Cronon’s outlook doesn’t make that process appear as easy: “In its raw state, it had little or nothing to offer civilized men and women.” Cronon seems to have a consciousness about nature in whereas Thoreau’s mindset isn’t thought out completely in a realistic sense. I feel Cronon’s way of thought prepares an individual because although it’s not ideal, the reality of it all is most important to consider.

Lastly, although I feel I can connect more with Cronon’s way of thought, I appreciate Thoreau’s determination and his sincerity. I find that alone to be a wonderful quality that contributes to his character.