Abstract

ROJAS VALENCIA, Pedro Antonio. The Aesthetics of Simplicity. A reflection on Life in the Woods of Thoreau. Pensam. palabra obra [online]. 2018, n.19, pp.26-39. ISSN 2011-804X.

This paper aims to trace the contributions to the field of aesthetics found in the work of Henry David Thoreau, particularly in Walden, or, Life in the Woods. In the first part, I mention his criticism of the modern way of life, which is related to the present overvaluation of wealth, consumption, show, and accumulation. In the second part, his search for simplicity, I mention his extraordinary love for the outdoors and the constant exercise of trades that seem useless in our society, like being a forest ranger or a snow storm watcher. Finally, I point out a series of contributions to the aesthetic, including his claim of sensitivity and his exploration of the different ways in which we experience, think, feel and give meaning to nature.

Keywords : Art; aesthetics; simplicity; Thoreau.

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