-Essay exploring how Thoreau's philosophies are relevant in modern day America.

Relevancy can be defined as having legitimacy or importance in relation with something. Taking into consideration Thoreau and his opus, the question becomes whether or not his concepts have validity when applied to today's culture. We are surrounded by a culture obsessed with advancements. Most of all, our society revolves around the constant acquisition of material wealth. The core of Thoreau's message is to reject the endless pursuit of possessions and money, for the more …

…today. His message to us all, is one we need now more than ever. Thoreau would tell us that "money [cannot] buy one necessary of the soul"(Thoreau). He would say "sell your clothes and keep your thoughts" and "say what you have to say, not what you ought"(Thoreau). Rather than material wealth, he would urge us to seek our truer selves; selves that have been lost in the consumer machine of today's society.