accurately transcribed must yield truth, Thoreau adopts the tone of a hard-headed empiricist" (Ruland 101). It was as if he wished for nothing else but to embody the truths he found in nature; perfect as the objects he observed (Kazin 53). Thoreau emphasized in Walden that adhering to society's parameters is not essential to one's journey through life, but instead, following one's own intuition is what will eventually lead to the divinity of the soul. Just because one does not follow the actions or insights of his contemporaries, he is not necessarily falling behind, perhaps he seeks something else. However, in order to realize such a goal, one must proudly step away from the rest of the world, the status quo, and listen to the gentle spirit inside him or herself. "If man does not keep pace with his companions, perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer. Let him step to the music which he hears, however measured or far away" (345). Thoreau's passion in life was derived from his hatred of conformity and manufactured ways of thinking. Independence was a way of survival for Thoreau, a lifestyle which stimulated his intellectualism and encouraged him to turn his back on society, comforting the cries of his soul.Thoreau's insights into individualism and a lifestyle based on intuition allowed him to succeed in society without the security of material possessions. He had no use for luxuries or wealth as he states in Walden: "...the rich man is always sold to the institution which makes him rich. Most of the luxuries, and many so-called comforts of life, are not only indispensable, but positive hindrances to the elevation of mankind..." (175). Thoreau was preoccupied with defining the truths of nature and replenishing his soul and refused to burden himself with the artificial products of his day. In his eyes, material items gave false impressions of people and hindered the explorations of one's intellectual resources. Thoreau ...
