Lovely post, Jesse. You know Thoreau well. I, too, like be him with all my heart and soul. I taught his works many times over the years, and I never tired of rereading them, sharing them - and hoping that he would have an effect on young readers. Alas, our current national and world realities make it hard for me to be hopeful, but I do try. I think Thoreau and my other beloved 18th-century soulmate, Walt Whitman, would be literally broken-hearted were they to return today. I d use the words of both these geniuses to comfort me, to keep me going, and to inspire me me in my work. I am happy to see that you hold Thoreau so close, too. Be well, dear Jesse. May we all be fortunate enough to think and say, “Now comes good sailing” about end.
Thank you for the nice report about Thoreau. Anyway I wonder why neither you nor your mother have not written any mention about Paul Auster's death... Maybe he is not so well known in the USA? All public and social media in Spain are full of condolences and support comments to his widow Siri Husvedt and I found it curious that you didn't say a word about his death.
Hello Anna, thank you for bringing this to my attention. I'm sorry this disappoints you. I can only speak for myself but I am not familiar with Paul's work, I never knew him personally, and was not aware that he had died. I am sure that there are many people close to me who are saddened and can shed light, so I will ask them today and I will learn about him. Thank you so much for bringing this to my attention and encouraging me to learn about him and his life. <3 In exchange, I hope that you will remember that everyone doesn't know everyone, and (not in this case) sometimes there are personal reasons why someone might not mention another person, and it might be a private reason, a sensitive or painful topic for them. We never know what is going on in someone else's mind and it's important to be aware of that, and to ask ourselves the intention of why we are forcing them to answer personal questions for us. In this case, it's just pure unawareness or ignorance in its pure definition, and I will learn more about him thanks to you. But please let's always be understanding to each other and have the benefit of the doubt. We're not perfect beings, we're just doing our best. Have a wonderful day.
We are indeed far from perfect beings and I learn about a lot of people I would never have chanced upon if not for you and your mother's writings. Thank you:)
Thanks for answering, dear Jesse. I guessed he is not as famous in the USA as he is in Spain, because you are always very sensitive towards news like this. I am happy to know that maybe thanks to my comment you discover a new author! Try also Siri Husvedt's (his wife) books. I discoverd Paul Auster after watching a beautiful film titled "Smoke" whose script is his. The film is from 1995. After that, I became a fan of his novels.
Dear Jesse, I was struck by Anna's comment and I thought the same thing you wrote: you don't have to know everyone and take a position. Even here - we live in the canton of Ticino, right on the border between Italy and Switzerland - Paul Auster is very well known and on the cultural radio channels that I use to listen to (Rete 2 Rsi, of the public radio of Italian Switzerland, and Radio Rai 3 of the Italian public radio) there's been a lot of talk about it but I think it's unfair to accuse you of a shortcoming. It's sad to see how people are sometimes unfairly criticized just because of their notoriety. It's true that Anna was neither rude nor aggressive but reading what she wrote to you made me a little sad. But maybe I'm exaggerating a little too....
As soon as I read your beautiful post in full, I will try to leave a comment.
Meanwhile, warm greetings and hugs to you and Anna. Luca
Dear Anna, you are the one who must excuse me. Even though deep down I can't deny that I was a little saddened - for the reasons I explained in the reply to Jesse -, immediately after posting it I told myself that I should have turned to you and that perhaps I was exaggerating, that after all she had you already answered Jesse herself.
However, I reiterate that I greet you both dearly and that I send you my most affectionate hug! Luca
I played in the US with a band two years ago. On that tour I wanted to visit just three things: the occupied forest in Atlanta (against cop city), Emma Goldman’s grave in Chicago, and Walden. I finally was able to do these three things. When visiting Walden I couldn’t believe the rails of the train were there, that close to the cabin. Thoreau hated them so much, now I understand why. I walked the little path looking at every step, trying to process everything that I had around and keep it as a thousand pounds of pictures. I was looking for the ants so I could see all those battles he described, listening every sound the forest around me was producing and observing every animal that would get in the way as if they were about to speak to me. It was September so I couldn’t imagine that lake totally frozen, with those Concord citizens collecting the ice. But I was certainly able to see the footsteps of Thoreau not in the floor but in my mind. I learnt to look around me more carefully through his texts and I’ve been applying this everywhere, in the dry forests of my city (Barcelona) and during my travels. What a beautiful day. The most interesting part I guess is that even the thinker died his ideas remain the same and the observations he did can be repeated, since nature, if it’s respected, always remain the same for all humanity.
Thank you so very much for sharing this beautiful story, your experience and observations. This is so special. I could see every moment you described. <3
Wonderful post, I love the ending, "I hope wherever you are there is good sailing. I believe that there is." I could not sleep at all last night either - perhaps it is the energy of the new moon approaching:)
My favorite quote is the simple, "Live your life, do your work, then take your hat" It is starkly matter of fact and yet leaves us touched with the hand of sentimentality. All this in one line and indeed similar to your last line of tribute.
I love reading your posts, Jesse. Of course Henry loved books: “Books are the treasured wealth of the world and the fit inheritance of generations and nations.“
Ohhh thank you, Dan. :)) "Books, the oldest and the best, stand naturally and rightfully on the shelves of every cottage. They have no cause of their own to plead, but while they enlighten and sustain the reader his common sense will not refuse them."
Beautiful tribute to Henry. Thank you, Jesse. He is a part of our inheritance for the love of the world, the love of nature, literature, and humanism. For the love of walking.
Greetings from Concord, Jesse! This is such a beautiful post honoring dear Henry❣️I just finished a wonderful book that I think you would love called The Boatman: Henry David Thoreau ‘s River Years by Robert Thorson about Henry’s daily sailing on the Concord, Assabet and Sudbury Rivers and studying the marshes and meadows of Musketaquid. I am actually about to go on my daily walk near there soon and will send a wish for Henry in the River ripples. Thanks again for the beautiful words.
I couldn’t put it down!! So beautiful. All good here, we’ve been really busy presenting a Spring Visual Storytelling /Photography Festival! Yessss, hope we can meet up!! We will be exhibiting in Brooklyn again in June, will send you info. Are you coming to the annual gathering?
The quotes on death were poignant. I reflect on death most days. Thank you. X
I love Walden and the town of Concord. I'm spoiled as I only live two towns over. I need to read more of his writings. Thanks Jesse.
Jesse, thank you for yet another thoughtful post - and for including Emerson's eulogy which I had
never read. Now I think I'll take Thoreau off the shelf.
Thoreau words…as my mom is passing today, are comforting. Thank you for caring about all us. Aloha.
PS: Jesse, do you know this book? It is wonderful!!!!! I highly recommend it. https://press.princeton.edu/books/hardcover/9780691215228/now-comes-good-sailing
Lovely post, Jesse. You know Thoreau well. I, too, like be him with all my heart and soul. I taught his works many times over the years, and I never tired of rereading them, sharing them - and hoping that he would have an effect on young readers. Alas, our current national and world realities make it hard for me to be hopeful, but I do try. I think Thoreau and my other beloved 18th-century soulmate, Walt Whitman, would be literally broken-hearted were they to return today. I d use the words of both these geniuses to comfort me, to keep me going, and to inspire me me in my work. I am happy to see that you hold Thoreau so close, too. Be well, dear Jesse. May we all be fortunate enough to think and say, “Now comes good sailing” about end.
“Now comes good sailing”—I will remember this! Wonderful post Jesse, thank you🌺
My father died just a week ago. The last quote would fit him best. Thank you for your post. 🙂
Thank you xx we all connected through time / space, always, wonder fully to HDT and to the inevitable taking of hats. LOVE
Thank you for the nice report about Thoreau. Anyway I wonder why neither you nor your mother have not written any mention about Paul Auster's death... Maybe he is not so well known in the USA? All public and social media in Spain are full of condolences and support comments to his widow Siri Husvedt and I found it curious that you didn't say a word about his death.
Hello Anna, thank you for bringing this to my attention. I'm sorry this disappoints you. I can only speak for myself but I am not familiar with Paul's work, I never knew him personally, and was not aware that he had died. I am sure that there are many people close to me who are saddened and can shed light, so I will ask them today and I will learn about him. Thank you so much for bringing this to my attention and encouraging me to learn about him and his life. <3 In exchange, I hope that you will remember that everyone doesn't know everyone, and (not in this case) sometimes there are personal reasons why someone might not mention another person, and it might be a private reason, a sensitive or painful topic for them. We never know what is going on in someone else's mind and it's important to be aware of that, and to ask ourselves the intention of why we are forcing them to answer personal questions for us. In this case, it's just pure unawareness or ignorance in its pure definition, and I will learn more about him thanks to you. But please let's always be understanding to each other and have the benefit of the doubt. We're not perfect beings, we're just doing our best. Have a wonderful day.
We are indeed far from perfect beings and I learn about a lot of people I would never have chanced upon if not for you and your mother's writings. Thank you:)
Thanks for answering, dear Jesse. I guessed he is not as famous in the USA as he is in Spain, because you are always very sensitive towards news like this. I am happy to know that maybe thanks to my comment you discover a new author! Try also Siri Husvedt's (his wife) books. I discoverd Paul Auster after watching a beautiful film titled "Smoke" whose script is his. The film is from 1995. After that, I became a fan of his novels.
I can’t speak for how well known he is in America, I’m just one person 💖💖💖
Dear Jesse, I was struck by Anna's comment and I thought the same thing you wrote: you don't have to know everyone and take a position. Even here - we live in the canton of Ticino, right on the border between Italy and Switzerland - Paul Auster is very well known and on the cultural radio channels that I use to listen to (Rete 2 Rsi, of the public radio of Italian Switzerland, and Radio Rai 3 of the Italian public radio) there's been a lot of talk about it but I think it's unfair to accuse you of a shortcoming. It's sad to see how people are sometimes unfairly criticized just because of their notoriety. It's true that Anna was neither rude nor aggressive but reading what she wrote to you made me a little sad. But maybe I'm exaggerating a little too....
As soon as I read your beautiful post in full, I will try to leave a comment.
Meanwhile, warm greetings and hugs to you and Anna. Luca
Dear Luca, I just asked, not accused! I'm very sorry, I would not have had to ask. I'm too impulsive sometimes. I'm very sorry.
Dear Anna, you are the one who must excuse me. Even though deep down I can't deny that I was a little saddened - for the reasons I explained in the reply to Jesse -, immediately after posting it I told myself that I should have turned to you and that perhaps I was exaggerating, that after all she had you already answered Jesse herself.
However, I reiterate that I greet you both dearly and that I send you my most affectionate hug! Luca
I played in the US with a band two years ago. On that tour I wanted to visit just three things: the occupied forest in Atlanta (against cop city), Emma Goldman’s grave in Chicago, and Walden. I finally was able to do these three things. When visiting Walden I couldn’t believe the rails of the train were there, that close to the cabin. Thoreau hated them so much, now I understand why. I walked the little path looking at every step, trying to process everything that I had around and keep it as a thousand pounds of pictures. I was looking for the ants so I could see all those battles he described, listening every sound the forest around me was producing and observing every animal that would get in the way as if they were about to speak to me. It was September so I couldn’t imagine that lake totally frozen, with those Concord citizens collecting the ice. But I was certainly able to see the footsteps of Thoreau not in the floor but in my mind. I learnt to look around me more carefully through his texts and I’ve been applying this everywhere, in the dry forests of my city (Barcelona) and during my travels. What a beautiful day. The most interesting part I guess is that even the thinker died his ideas remain the same and the observations he did can be repeated, since nature, if it’s respected, always remain the same for all humanity.
Thank you so very much for sharing this beautiful story, your experience and observations. This is so special. I could see every moment you described. <3
Wonderful post, I love the ending, "I hope wherever you are there is good sailing. I believe that there is." I could not sleep at all last night either - perhaps it is the energy of the new moon approaching:)
My favorite quote is the simple, "Live your life, do your work, then take your hat" It is starkly matter of fact and yet leaves us touched with the hand of sentimentality. All this in one line and indeed similar to your last line of tribute.
I love reading your posts, Jesse. Of course Henry loved books: “Books are the treasured wealth of the world and the fit inheritance of generations and nations.“
Ohhh thank you, Dan. :)) "Books, the oldest and the best, stand naturally and rightfully on the shelves of every cottage. They have no cause of their own to plead, but while they enlighten and sustain the reader his common sense will not refuse them."
Beautiful tribute to Henry. Thank you, Jesse. He is a part of our inheritance for the love of the world, the love of nature, literature, and humanism. For the love of walking.
Greetings from Concord, Jesse! This is such a beautiful post honoring dear Henry❣️I just finished a wonderful book that I think you would love called The Boatman: Henry David Thoreau ‘s River Years by Robert Thorson about Henry’s daily sailing on the Concord, Assabet and Sudbury Rivers and studying the marshes and meadows of Musketaquid. I am actually about to go on my daily walk near there soon and will send a wish for Henry in the River ripples. Thanks again for the beautiful words.
Ohhh wow, this book sounds amazing!!! I will have to find it. Thank you!!! How are you, how is everything?? I hope to see you this summer!!!
I couldn’t put it down!! So beautiful. All good here, we’ve been really busy presenting a Spring Visual Storytelling /Photography Festival! Yessss, hope we can meet up!! We will be exhibiting in Brooklyn again in June, will send you info. Are you coming to the annual gathering?
Such a beautiful read. Big hug, sleepy babe. You'll be back on track in no time.