In Thoreau's Walden, he explores the art of living by presenting a dichotomy of sojourning in nature. The life of participating with nature considers living simply and wisely while cooperating with both its lowest and highest elements. Thoreau calls for a change in life by changing the conventional ideas of standard societal views and its participation with the torpor of the material mass. Throughout Walden, Thoreau delves into his surroundings, the very specifics of nature while trying to live the ideal life. Perhaps the main theme and overbearing concept that Thoreau wishes to convey to the reader both in the conclusion and throughout Walden, is that we must recognize the great power and potential for new discovery and enjoyment in our minds. Thus, Thoreau calls for an "ideological revolution to simplification" in our lives and conveys a paradoxical view that the highest point of living is the leading of a simple life of a balance between change and solitude.
             This life is the art of activity within the art of structural living- a non-instrumental way of enhancing one's life through spiritual development and the cultivation of the mind and body. The purpose for this enhancement is fostering the spirit in its progress and not marred by material products or social structures. The spirit involves activity with nature and must not be hindered by material necessities
             demanded by society. Such progress is change within oneself, within one's mind and soul and ultimately achieved through self-recognition. It is the recognizing of the self that leads to individualized experiences. This art requires pure devotion of the individual and the divorce from the boundaries of business and time. In doing so, the individual experiences a transcended self, a "elevated piety" and "perennial youth " (211).
             Thoreau compares the art of and active life to one of unending youthfulness. He pervades...