In "Life without Principle," Thoreau writes, "I would have had him deal with his privatest experience, as the poet does." What does this statement mean
It sounds as if he's saying someone ought to be looking inward, learning who he is completely, learning to express his innermost thoughts -- from all directions -- as poets do.
It means the lecturer should have spoken on something close to his heart, something he dwells in, and knows.
Thoreau was not for cursory, sideline thinking. He was going for the meat, as he stated in the essay.
Consider the context of that sentence:
"At a lyceum, not long since, I felt that the lecturer had chosen a theme too foreign to himself, and so failed to interest me as much as he might have done. He described things not in or near to his heart, but toward his extremities and superficies. There was, in this sense, no truly central or centralizing thought in the lecture. I would have had him deal with his privatest experience, as the poet does. The greatest compliment that was ever paid me was when one asked me what I thought, and attended to my answer. I am surprised, as well as delighted, when this happens, it is such a rare use he would make of me, as if he were acquainted with the tool."
http://www.vcu.edu/engweb/transcendentalism/authors/thoreau/lifewithoutprinciple.html
2. In "Life without Principle," Thoreau writes, "I would have had him deal with his privatest experience, as the poet does." What does this statement mean?
In "Life without Principle," Thoreau writes, "I would have had him deal with his privatest experience, as the poet does." What does this statement mean?
In emphasizing the importance of individual thinking and basing one's beliefs on one's own experiences, Sojourner shows she has much in common with
When Tecumseh says, "Where today is the Pequot? Where the Narragansetts, the Mohawks?" he is
In emphasizing the importance of individual thinking and basing one's beliefs on one's own experiences Sojourner shows she has much in common with
In this statement from "Life without Principle" by Henry David Thoreau, he expresses a desire for individuals to approach their personal experiences with the same level of attention and depth as a poet does. To understand the meaning of this statement, we can break it down as follows:
1. Read the context: To gain a clearer understanding of Thoreau's statement, it is essential to read the surrounding paragraphs or the entire essay. By examining the context, we can uncover more details about his argument and the ideas leading up to this particular statement.
2. Analyze key terms: Thoreau mentions "privatest experience" and compares it to how a poet deals with their own experiences. To comprehend his meaning, we should explore these terms further. "Privatest experience" refers to personal, intimate moments or thoughts that are unique to an individual. "As the poet does" implies the poet's way of engaging with their experiences, which typically involves deep reflection, observation, and artistic expression.
3. Interpretation: Thoreau seems to be suggesting that individuals should approach their own experiences with a poetic mindset. Just as a poet studies and articulates their experiences through the art of poetry, Thoreau asserts that we should pay close attention to our personal lives, contemplate the deeper significance of our experiences, and seek to find meaning within them.
Ultimately, Thoreau encourages a more mindful and reflective approach to living, suggesting that by embracing a poetic mindset, we can gain a greater appreciation for the richness and significance of our own experiences.