Henry David Thoreau

1861

“Hoping western air will cure his consumption, Henry David Thoreau makes a trip to Minnesota. But the author of Walden is so sick that he returns to Massachusetts far earlier than planned.”*

Thank You for Thoreau and his desire to learn what living means. His book touched so many lives with the idea of being content and living simply. Sometimes, learning what we don’t need is the best gift we receive.

Jesus, will You remember him in this sickness? Jesus, will You dissolve any bitter root thoughts that may have formed from the disappointment of this visit and leave a blessing for Thoreau’s lineage and philosophical heritage? G-d, it’s a hard lesson when one goes from self-help to becoming dependent. Will You teach us to help dependents in our lives, and remember what its like to be humbled like Henry today?

*P.T.H. cites timeline formerly at this URL: mnhs.org/about/dipity_timeline.htm
The Minnesota Historical Society Web site, http://www.mnhs.org , is fantastic! Check it out!