Jenny3

       Henry David Thoreau was a very gifted man. However, his ideals were ahead of his
time, and for these he was perceived as a weirdo. Although Thoreau�s way of life is
becoming more widely accepted in today�s society, his own neighbors criticized his beliefs
and labeled him a �gifted weirdo.�
       Thoreau desired more from life than what most around him settled for. Many
townspeople conformed to expectations of others. Thoreau was very independent and
strong-willed. His passion for learning drove him to teach. The manner in which he taught
was effective, it was also foreign and even offensive to some. When his teaching styles got
him in trouble, Thoreau did not conform, but opened his own school so he could still
spread the gift of knowledge. Thoreau desired to see what was often missed and hear
what no one else listened to. He wanted others to realize how much beauty the world had
to offer. He would not be persuaded by the narrow-minded opinions of others.
       Thoreau pledged to live a simple life. He found that materialism was very harmful to
himself and society. This was a foreign concept in Thoreau�s society and was the basis for
much of the disapproval towards him. Through transcendentalism, Thoreau found peace
and happiness.
       Thoreau�s styles of teaching have become a part of today�s school system. Learning
is no longer so restricted. Thoreau�s transcendental lifestyle is now accepted, although not
embraced, by much of society. Thoreau was different. He was gifted, but he was not a
weirdo. Thoreau was just ahead of his time.