Topic: Henry David Thoreau

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Henry David Thoreau: 10 quotes to mark Independence Day

On July 4, 1845, Henry David Thoreau moved to a small cabin he’d built near Walden Pond outside Concord, Mass. Here are 10 quotes from Thoreau’s famous narrative.

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Global News Blog Good Reads: From raising champions, to Norway’s slow TV, to making real friends

This week's round-up of Good Reads includes a profile of Olympian Missy Franklin, American sitcoms in Kyrgyzstan, a strange TV phenomenon in Norway, a 'slow friend' backlash to Facebook, and productive early risers.
Henry David Thoreau: 10 quotes to mark Independence Day

On July 4, 1845, Henry David Thoreau moved to a small cabin he’d built near Walden Pond outside Concord, Mass. Here are 10 quotes from Thoreau’s famous narrative.
Ralph Waldo Emerson: 12 quotes on his birthday

To celebrate the life of great American thinker Ralph Waldo Emerson, here are 12 quotes.
Aldo Leopold: A Sand County Almanac & Other Writings on Conservation and Ecology

The collected writings of American naturalist Aldo Leopold appear in a beautiful new edition from the Library of America.
On Earth Day 2013: 13 excellent books to consume

It's Earth Day. Check out these 13 books for the literary equivalent of a green boost of antioxidants and protein.
Chapter & Verse Want to be a writer? You need a favorite author

This college professor urges his students to find a "writing hero."
Chapter & Verse Robert Frost: his 10 favorite books of all time

In addition to being a master writer, celebrated American poet Robert Frost was also a master reader.
The Monitor's View Are gun politics too complex? Simplicity would help.

As the Newtown families plead for Congress to act, lawmakers – and President Obama – admit to the complexity of gun issues. Scholars on simplicity offer some ideas.
Modern Parenthood Citizen science: How families can contribute to real science

Citizen science has led to a number of discoveries throughout history. Many agencies need help that families -– yes kids too! – can provide, from measuring precipitation to charting night skies to recording first bloom.
10 influential authors who came to the US as immigrants

These 10 immigrant authors have all made significant contributions to US literature and culture.
Louisa May Alcott: 10 quotes on her birthday

Here are 10 quotes to mark the birthday of Louisa May Alcott, author of the beloved young adult novel, "Little Women".
Divine simplicity

A Christian Science perspective: When we clear the mental clutter, we find in its place the simplicity of the healing power of divine Love’s grace.
Editor's Blog How poor is poor? How rich is rich?

Everyone from the US Census Bureau to the United Nations has a definition of poverty. A reasonable income is unquestionably important. But income alone doesn't determine whether someone is poor. Or rich.
A literary road trip through New England

Take a trip through historic New England and visit the homesteads of famous literary figures.
City

P.D. Smith takes a thorough and engaging look at the urban lifestyle more than half the planet has now embraced – for better or for worse.
Henry David Thoreau: 12 quotes on his birthday

Here are 12 quotes to mark the birthday of American poet, author, naturalist, philosopher, and abolitionist Henry David Thoreau.
Opinion If Thoreau were to move to Walden today, would he bring the Internet? Maybe.

Thoreau is one of technological innovation's most famous critics. But there’s a different side to Thoreau’s relationship with technology that says a lot about our own continuing struggle to strike the right balance between individual serenity and an interconnected planet.
In remote China, plant hunters seek clues to climate change

Studying how flowers adapt to global warming in remote China helps scientists consistently demonstrate climate change, say botanists.
Follow the footsteps of Thoreau in 'Walden' through .. a video game?

A video game based on Henry David Thoreau's life at Walden Pond is being developed by a team at the University of Southern California.
Opinion Advice for Congress this first day of spring: To improve leadership, go outside

Thoreau’s suggestion that Congress might be improved by a greater awareness of the natural world was a serious one. Being outdoors this first day of spring should remind leaders and voters of a calendar beyond the election cycle – and a web of connections that transcends party.
Chapter & Verse Henry David Thoreau as global-warming researcher?

Comparing the dates Thoreau recorded of flowers in bloom with those today shows powerful evidence that global warming is taking place, say researchers.
The Lives of Margaret Fuller

Margaret Fuller, problem child of American transcendentalism, gets fresh treatment from Pulitzer Prize-winner John Matteson.
Opinion After Black Friday, Cyber Monday – the best holiday deals? Clean out your closet.

Consumer spending can drive economic recovery, but a recession created by a culture of excess can't be healed by more excess. As my kids learned by cleaning up their rooms, sustained economic health comes from knowing what we really need and what we can do without.
11/30/2011 09:26 am
Reader recommendation: Hawthorne, A Life

Monitor readers share their favorite book picks.
09/12/2011 06:10 am
Everett Ruess: two new biographies

The story of Everett Ruess – the young explorer of the American West who vanished in the 1930s – remains an unsolved mystery to this day.
08/31/2011 07:00 am