Henry David Thoreau
Debate I Philosopher Project
Background
Born in Concord, Massachusetts in 1817
Attended Harvard University
Mentored by Ralph Waldo Emerson
Lived with Emerson and discovered an obsession with nature
Influenced by Emerson's transcendentalism and began work in literature and philosophy
Philosophy
More to life that what could be experienced by the senses
More knowledge than what human could understand or discover
Emphasized self-examination, individualism, and worldly beauty
Significance in Debate
Government is best which governs the least
Government is corrupt and promotes inequality
Listen to your conscience rather than government mandated laws