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I live in MA and swim in Walden pond on occasion in the Summer; it makes this discussion somewhat less abstract. The primary source (contemporary newspaper arti

• GuiA 10y ago
  I wish that school did more to convey the fact that even the most prominent authors are flawed people like everyone else, and that some of them can be outright assholes - no matter the quality of their writing. Instead, literature classes often put authors on pedestals. There's undeniably some great insights in Thoreau's work, but many parts - such as the one you linked to - show that he was kind of a douche. The first time I realized that someone whose work I deeply admired was a total asshole, many years ago, was eye opening for me. The art can be sublime, and the artist can be the lowest of scum. It makes talented people with a lovely personality that even more admirable. (Also reminds me of one of my favorite quotes for people working in prestigious, competitive environments: "we're all talented here - differentiate yourself by being kind")