Introduction
Life experiment is an investigation on the life realities in order to gain the entire insight of what life entails. These realities involve feelings of nature, the simple living as well as the need for solitude. It involves identifying the simple nature of living, the interactions in the society as well as the struggles for freedom and independence.
Thoreau’s had appreciated the importance of leading simple lives that will aid in understanding of the experience that come with existence. However, in the modern world today, the lives of all people have been so complex that Thoreau would not recognize. People are always busy running up and down ending up getting tired.
Due to tiredness, they end up seeking rest. Their bodies collapse due to much straining and this is clearly indicated by the increasing stress related illness. For instance, stroke has led to many deaths in the last few years compared to long time ago.
Importance of life experiment
Human beings must avoid overburdening themselves with constant activities that may destroy their lives. People should be free so that they can be able to reflect and contemplate on the issues of life situation. They must have look forward the ways that will allow them live simple lives free from complexities that might negatively impact on their lives.
Thoreau decided to live in the woods for 2 years. This was his experiment that could allow him to investigate the primary realities of life. “I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately, to front only the essential facts of life and see if I could not learn what it had to teach me, and not, when I came to die, discover that I had not lived” (Cooper 121).
As suggested by Cooper 34 people would want to conduct life experiments in order to find out how the existence in this world is. For instance Thoreau went to the woods to find out essential facts about life and to learn what life could teach him by the time he dies; he would not regret that he never lived.
The essence of the experiment is to assist him in alleviating life by a conscious endeavor. One can learn what to do with life as well as discovering some new ideas that are pertinent for growth, development and existence. Accounting for one’s life is essential. It is therefore prudent to have life experiments in order to account for every single life happening. During his time in the woods, he wrote a book that included economic issues.
To ensure that he uses less material to write the book, he made sure he lived a simple life. This ensures that he would not spend much of his time on a lifestyle he bothered less, about it. Money is not the only thing that brings happiness. There are other aspects that bring happiness for instance spirituality. Your inclination and believe in your “god” will go to a further extent in determining what kind of live you live.
Life experiment helps in resolving conflicts that might occur. If two people were to differ between two numbers, the only way to resolve this is to do the actual calculation and find out the answer. They do not need to argue and turn hostile against each other. This difference should not make the two to be enemies.
Alternatively, people should not be enemies because of difference in opinions. These opinions can be solved amicably by doing the actual life experiments. Every man and woman makes his or her own life and therefore it should be simple. Wants must be reduced proportionately to reduce stress. For instance it is unnecessary to eat hundred dishes in a single day when only five can do. (Cooper 23).
Life experiment depicts life as being philosophical. Life is a series of philosophy that sums up into existence. By living simple life, one denies himself or herself several things in life that would result into much stress and strain. For instance why should one eat as many times as possible when a single meal can do? Eating severally, would mean spending most of the time in looking for the food (Hoelting 43). Essentially, this causes strain due to long working hours.
In the Biblical story of Martha and Mary, when Jesus visited them Martha was busy preparing a meal and attending to other domestic chores. Mary was virtually doing nothing in the house. This made Martha angry at Mary. Martha approached Jesus and told her about her sister’s lack of concern.
Jesus replied “Martha, Martha, you are worried and distracted by many things; there is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part, which will not be taken away from her” (Luke 10:38-42). Essentially, this is philosophical in that Mary was supposed to assist her sister in the domestic chores. However, Jesus says Mary had chosen the better part by just doing nothing.
According to Henry 45 life experiments are salutary to ensure that effective livelihoods are discovered. Thoreau decided to live in isolation in order to discover the essentials of life. As a matter of fact his discovery has been used by major revolutionists in the world. These include Martin Luther King junior, Mahatma Gandhi and many others.
Thoreau left Walden Pond to have an experience of life. He really appreciated the fact that there was something special from this life experience and he never forgot this life discovery voyage. Socrates realized that life must go on regardless of the misunderstandings that occur daily within the society.
These misunderstandings must not lead to anger but rather the causes of such must be dealt with to avoid causing anger and enmity. Life experiments ensure that harmony and integrity is preserved in the society. Moral justice is upheld and must always be the case.
Conclusion
From the review of life experiment, it is evident that this gives people the chance to discover realities in life. It is evident that there are differences between life in the past and want the current generation are going through; present population is entangled in a host of activities that people are always busy.
This leaves them with no time to discover who they are. Being free is important since it gives human being an opportunity to fully discover what life entails. The paper has also pointed out major reasons for carrying out life experiments. It is established that it helps to ensure that effective livelihoods are discovered, aid in resolving conflict as well as helping individuals to discover realities in life.
Works Cited
Cooper, John. The trial and death of Socrates, New York: Hackett Publishing, 2001. Print.
Henry, David. Thoreau-Walden or life in the woods, Massachusetts: Shambhala Publications, 1854. Print.
Hoelting, Kurt. The circumference of home, New York: Da Capo Press, 2010. Print.