WALDEN: BAKER FARM by THOREAU also includes closure of The Pond

In the closing of the chapter titled, The Pond: Thoreau facts of nature by which man is erased from the continued growth of Gods creations. Man presences is that of ashes/dust in the wind. He states that "The landscape of the lakes...is earth's eye: looking in to which the beholder measured the depth 
of his own nature...the slender trees are it's eye lashes...hills and cliffs are its overhanging bows...There nature has woven a natural selvage..."

In praising Gods creations of the landscaping of the lakes, he also concludes: "...let it be named from the fishes that swim in it...not from him who could show no TITLE to it but the deed which a like minded neighbor or legislative gave him." This reminds me of expressing to person in San Diego, how I'd love to see how many property owners are willing to take their property deed to God. As if to say "This is what I own!"

With the opening of Baker Farm, Thoreau continues the praise to God. One morning he decides to go fishing at Baker Farm. On the way he encounters a sudden rain storm. He is thankful and in awe of Gods doings. He ran into an Irishman, by which Thoreau's understanding of our AMERICAN LIBERTY begins to unravel, only to be re-raveled by INDIVIDUALISM.  The Irishman expresses his story to Thoreau. He worked for a farmer who compensated him with money, use of the land for personal use/gain, and manure. He has several children by which one assist him on the land. They live in the back house of the property owner. Through felt compelled to let the Irishman know, the he too is a hard worker, living a hard life. He felt that perhaps to encourage the man about possibilities of building a home of his own, might be benefiting.

Yet he realize that the purpose of his emotional felt concerns are not valid. For Thoreau to eat hard to work hard is a coping mechanism that is no gain: seeming it requires continued routine simple to live. The feelings of the Irishman, were very different. First he was content with his hard life-coping life, because at least he is now an American. It is with that understand, that Thoreau rationalizes the ideals of individualism and the rights that are inherited in Liberty.  Thoreau states, "...Only true America is that country where you are at liberty to pursue such a mode of life as may enable you to do without these, and where the STATE does not endeavor to compel you to sustain the slavery and war and other superfluous expenses which directly or indirectly result from the use of such things..."  The individual decision to pursue or not to pursue is the sole right of the American. Thoreau decision to retreat into nature, is solely for him. Whereas other Americans have the option and right to sore economical scales beyond belief. It's their decision. With this understanding Thoreau leaves the Irishman when the rain stops, speaking of him as a philosopher.

The insight gained from the encounter with the Irishman, really hit him as he continues his quest to fish.  In a 'PERFECT' day of creation, Thoreau comes to sense his "Good Genius" is seeming to express to him.  "...Go fish and hunt far and wide day by day--farther and wider--and rest there by many brooks and hearthsides without misgiving. Remember thy CREATOR...rise free from care before the dawn and seek adventures...Grow wild according to thy's nature..which will NEVER become English law...Let the thunder rumble: what if it threaten ruin to farmers the crops? that is not its errand to thee...Let no to get a living by thy trade, but thy sport. Enjoy the land, but OWN IT NOT..." It's as if Thoreau is being offered a green light, to continue as he has come to explore his worth and life through nature, by which God created. To not change or question his machinery as it has developed.


All that is stated above is just cause for retreatism.  The laws of this nation, provide the rights through The Bills of Rights and I have come to my own conclusions to utilize those rights. I once had a great employer, who use to upset me with her comment..."Goree, MY GOD!". So many times I sat patient and calm wanting to express to her, "He's everyone's God". But how wrong I would have been. Many thanks to Mrs. Kim of Las Vegas, for utilizing the reward she had earn from her devoted faith. To fuel me to ponder her statement, "My God". Yes indeed he is, she had earned her PERSONAL RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD, thus could refer to him as such. Some of us never take ownership of that. In Walden, Thoreau comes to that beautiful realization!