which of the following why did henry thoreau build a cabin on walden pond
to be close to his friend emerson so they could collaborate
to become famous and well respected by his community
to conduct an experiment about living in solitude
to recover from a debilitating nervous breakdown
to conduct an experiment about living in solitude
Henry Thoreau built a cabin on Walden Pond primarily to conduct an experiment about living in solitude. The purpose of this experiment was to explore and understand the essentials of life, and to simplify his existence by living deliberately and self-reliantly. Thoreau sought to immerse himself in nature and to experience a more meaningful and intentional way of living. It is important to note that Thoreau's motivations were not primarily driven by a desire to be close to his friend Emerson, to gain fame and respect, or to recover from a nervous breakdown.
To determine why Henry Thoreau built a cabin on Walden Pond, we can analyze each option provided and see which one aligns with historical information.
1. To be close to his friend Emerson so they could collaborate: While Thoreau did have a close friendship with Ralph Waldo Emerson, the primary reason for building his cabin on Walden Pond was not solely to be close to Emerson. Although Thoreau's proximity to Emerson did influence his decision, it was not the main reason for his choice.
2. To become famous and well respected by his community: While Thoreau did have aspirations as a writer and sought recognition for his work, building the cabin on Walden Pond was not primarily driven by a desire for fame or respect. Thoreau's motivations for the construction of the cabin had more to do with personal self-reliance, simplicity, and philosophical exploration.
3. To conduct an experiment about living in solitude: This option closely matches Thoreau's main purpose for building the cabin on Walden Pond. Thoreau desired to experience a simple and deliberate lifestyle, immersed in nature, away from the distractions of societal pressures and demands. By living in solitude, he aimed to reflect on life, seek self-discovery, and connect with the essence of existence. Therefore, conducting an experiment about living in solitude aligns with Thoreau's stated intentions.
4. To recover from a debilitating nervous breakdown: While it is true that Thoreau experienced personal hardships and had periods of emotional struggles during his life, there's no specific historical evidence supporting the notion that he built the cabin on Walden Pond as a means of recovering from a debilitating nervous breakdown. Thoreau's reasons for living at Walden Pond were more philosophical and reflective in nature.
Based on historical accounts and Thoreau's own writings, the most accurate option is that he built the cabin on Walden Pond to conduct an experiment about living in solitude.