t society has heaped upon us all and it is as if we are all victims of the “superficial” improvements. Along with simplicity also comes freedom. Freedom is a word that has different meanings to different people. According to Webster’s Dictionary, freedom is defined as being free; exemption from an obligation; not under the control or power of another; independent. By this definition, no one person is truly free. Thoreau stresses this point by saying, “It makes but little difference whether you are committed to a farm or the county jail” (2). Thoreau explains that we, as free people, have choices to do as we please and with those choices come more commitments. With every choice, comes a consequence. We can choose to buy a farm with so many acres and beauty all around, but we are then committed to paying for that farm, mowing the grass, feeding the animals, and harvesting the garden. The only real value of the farm, the close contact with nature, can be had for no cost. Thoreau found more freedom in his small hut by the pond where he was truly free from the trivial life of living in a village. He was free from the commercial rat race and was able to let himself be roused by nature. If Thoreau were still alive today, he would probably be astounded at how committed we are to so many things. The world that surrounds us has developed into a hurry up and wait situation. We are constantly in a hurry. We live in a world with drive through windows and breakfast bars. If we continue to hurry through life trying to get everything done so quickly, when do we really enjoy our life and our freedom? As Thoreau states, “Why should we live with such hurry and waste of life?” (6)....
