In Walden, Thoreau describes in detail his life in the lakeside forest for more than two years, far away from the hustle and bustle. He meticulously recorded what he saw and heard, as well as the deep thoughts he had during that time. His aim is not just to show a way of life that returns to nature, but to prove to a wide audience that people don't need a lot of money to live a good life.
He chose the shores of Walden Lake, a secluded and untouched forest, as the site for his experiments. Here, Thoreau himself built a small log cabin, which became his residence. He labored with his own hands, planting, harvesting, cooking, and was completely self-sufficient. He tried to get rid of the excessive pursuit of material things and the shackles of consumerism in modern society, and looked for a simpler and purer way of life.
For more than two years, Thoreau observed the changes in nature, listened to the sound of the wind and water, and felt the change of seasons. He ponders the relationship between human beings and nature, and explores the true meaning of life. He discovered that money is not a necessity of life, and material abundance does not bring inner satisfaction. True happiness comes from the in-depth experience of life, the awe and love for nature, and the sincerity and calmness of the heart.
Through Thoreau's depiction, we seem to follow him on a walk by the lake, feeling the charm of nature and listening to Thoreau's inner voice. His experiences and reflections provide us with an opportunity to re-examine our own lives, to think about what true happiness is, what is the true meaning of life.