Tuesday, December 9, 2008

Response on Higher Laws

Response on Higher Laws

Peter Joelson

12/10/08

Mr. Thoreau, previously I have condescended and I have asked questions that were somewhat sarcastic. But upon reading your “Higher Laws” chapter, I would like to give you some advice. You stated that when you fish, you feel a little bit of “self-respect,” yet afterwards, you feel “that it would have been better if I had not fished.” You feel ashamed for your actions, and believe that it is going against your beliefs. But I feel that you are not at fault, nor should you destroy yourself over your inner conflict. Your urge that when you “live in a wilderness I should again be tempted to become a fisher and hunter in earnest,” is natural. Your belief that “this instinct in me which belongs to the lower orders of creation,” is a false pretense. Everyone has these urges to fish or to hunt. Do you consider yourself a higher order of creation? You said yourself that hunting was “one of the best parts of my education,” and if a boy asked permission to hunt, you would respond “yes.” Your lure to fishing (no pun intended) or hunting is, if not human nature, your childhood calling. Do not destroy your inner self over a childhood memory. But at the same time, you must not forget your childhood memories. The best way to achieve this is by accepting your nature.

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