The Service

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Thoreau, Henry David, 1817-1862

Language:

English

Physical Description:

1 online resource : multiple file formats

Place of Publication:

Salt Lake City, UT : Project Gutenberg,

Summary:

"The Service" by Henry David Thoreau is an essay written in the early 19th century, specifically in 1840. This philosophical treatise explores the notion of bravery, duty, and the nature of a true service that transcends mere obedience to societal expectations. Thoreau examines the qualities that define a brave individual and reflects on the importance of inner strength and virtue. In "The Service," Thoreau contrasts the courageous person with the coward, arguing that true bravery is rooted in a profound understanding and alignment with one's inner values rather than external accolades or recognition. He presents a vision of life as an ongoing struggle against falseness and mediocrity, urging individuals to engage in a heroic quest that reflects deeper truths. The essay is imbued with poetic imagery and philosophical musings, culminating in a call for personal responsibility and moral courage in the face of societal pressures. Ultimately, Thoreau emphasizes the significance of living a life true to one's ideals, suggesting that genuine fulfillment comes from such an authentic engagement with the world. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Notes:

Reading ease score: 71.8 (7th grade). Fairly easy to read.

Wikipedia page on this work: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Service

Release date is 2019-12-18