Throughout the book Walden, by Henry David Thoreau, the ideas of living simply and in near isolation are often explored through different experiences that Thoreau has while living at Walden Pond. Through his ordeal, Thoreau learns that if he lives a simple life and gives up conventional ways and conformism, he can live a happier and more fulfilling life.

            Thoreau believes that clothes are used by society to conform more than for their true utility. While exploring this idea he says “As for clothing . . . perhaps we are lead oftener by the love of novelty, and a regard for the opinions of men, in procuring it than by a true utility.” (120-121). Through this quote, Thoreau is saying that conceivably, our concern of how we are seen by others, and our attraction to conformism play a bigger role in us buying clothes than our true need of them. We often buy clothes we do not really need because we think they look good, but the true purpose of clothes is “to retain the vital heat, and secondly, in this state of society, to cover nakedness,” (121). Thoreau is stating that if we were to buy clothes for their needed purpose only, we would not have to spend so much money, and we would not have such a big need for materialism and conformism. Thoreau also talks about materialism by saying “Every generation laughs at the old fashion; but follows religiously the new,” (124). Thorough says that different generations think past fashions are ridiculous, but that future generations will think the same way of our fashion. When a new generation comes, they add their culture, and history repeats itself. Thoreau feels that clothes should only be used for their true purpose.

            Thoreau then talks about men’s success and failures. He says “In the long run, men hit only what they aim at. Therefore, though they should fail immediately, they had better aim at something high,” (125). Through this quote, Thoreau is saying that we cannot reach a goal we do not set. He is also asking of us to set higher goals, in the hope that we may reach them. If we do not try to achieve something, we cannot achieve it. In addition to this, Thoreau says “I learned . . . that if one advances confidently in the direction of his dreams, and endeavors to live the life he has imagined, he will meet with a success unexpected in common hours,” (127). Thoreau is telling the readers that if we follow our dreams and what we really want in life, we will be successful to a degree we could have never imagined.

            Thoreau also explores thought itself. He says the morning is the time in which we are most thoughtful, and brightest. He then says “To him whose elastic vigorous thought keeps pace with the sun, the day is a perpetual morning,” (172). Through this quote, Thoreau is demonstrating that if you are thoughtful throughout the day, you will be as bright as in the morning all throughout the day.  Thoreau also states “The intellect is a cleaver; it discerns and rifts its way into the secret of things,” (178). Thoreau is saying that intellect helps people discover things they’d never know without having a certain amount of intellect.

            After reading Walden, we are left with many different changing opinions that Thoreau has while and after going through different experiences such as living apart from society, using only the bare necessities, and having to build his own shelter. Thoreau explores different ideas such as conformism, success and thought through his transcendentalist views, and leaves his readers open minded and thoughtful about his ideals.