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?

I think Thoreau meant that we should be tuned into and examine our inner selves, thoughts, beliefs, and motivations. He felt that too many people only paid attention to externalities.

http://www.4literature.net/Henry_David_Thoreau/Life_Without_Principle/

"i would have had him deal with his privatest experience, as the poet does."

Poets write about how they experience life...things that effect them on the most intimate level.... beauty, love, death, a moment in time that they will never forget.

I do not know who Thoreau was writing about but he was suggesting that that person was writing superficially, not on a really personal level. We all agree that one must live with principles, but how important are they to each person on a VITAL level. What principles do each of us select to live by and why do we choose these?

Thoreau's statement, "I would have had him deal with his privatest experience, as the poet does," can be understood by examining the context and understanding Thoreau's philosophical beliefs.

In "Life Without Principle," Thoreau advocates for leading a life aligned with one's own values, rather than succumbing to societal pressures and materialistic pursuits. He criticizes people who prioritize material wealth and social status over personal fulfillment and self-discovery.

When Thoreau mentions "privatest experience," he is referring to an individual's innermost thoughts, emotions, and personal reflections. By suggesting the idea of "dealing" with this privatest experience, Thoreau is encouraging individuals to engage with their own unique and personal journeys.

Thoreau draws a parallel between dealing with one's privatest experience and the role of a poet. Poets are known for their ability to express deep emotions and capture the essence of human experience through their words. Thoreau implies that individuals should approach their own lives with the same level of introspection, imagination, and attention to the smallest details as a poet does when crafting their creations.

Essentially, Thoreau is advocating for people to prioritize their inner lives, delve into their personal experiences, and strive to understand themselves more deeply. He suggests that by doing so, individuals can live more authentically and meaningfully, akin to how poets use their craft to engage with and express the richness of life.