Since many readers did not have any prior understanding of Thoreau’s personal life, he was often seen as an anti-technology person. In reality, Thoreau was fascinated by technology despite his interests in nature. As noted in his novel Walden,Thoreau experienced many life changing inventions take place during his time such as power looms, railroads, and the telegraph were made during his generation. Though these inventions were products of a larger movement, he believed it was a destruction of nature. From Thoreau’s perspective, technological progression was counterproductive because it distracted people for more important matters. A clear example of Thoreau’s refusal for technological progress is shown when he expresses his concerns about trains. "To do things 'railroad fashion' is now the by-word; and it is worth the while to be warned so often and so sincerely by any power to get off its track. …Every path but your own is the path of fate. Keep on your own track then.” (Thoreau 111-12). Thoreau’s resentment towards trains is explained through this quote, as he feels it represents an allusion of control.
Since many readers did not have any prior understanding of Thoreau’s personal life, he was often seen as an anti-technology person. In reality, Thoreau was fascinated by technology despite his interests in nature. As noted in his novel Walden,Thoreau experienced many life changing inventions take place during his time such as power looms, railroads, and the telegraph were made during his generation. Though these inventions were products of a larger movement, he believed it was a destruction of nature. From Thoreau’s perspective, technological progression was counterproductive because it distracted people for more important matters. A clear example of Thoreau’s refusal for technological progress is shown when he expresses his concerns about trains. "To do things 'railroad fashion' is now the by-word; and it is worth the while to be warned so often and so sincerely by any power to get off its track. …Every path but your own is the path of fate. Keep on your own track then.” (Thoreau 111-12). Thoreau’s resentment towards trains is explained through this quote, as he feels it represents an allusion of control.