Abstract: Henry David Thoreau（1817-1862）was regarded as a famous writer, transcendentalist, philosopher in the 19th century. Meanwhile, he was also as the first environmentalist of America. He was world-famous for his masterpiece Walden. In Walden, Thoreau lives harmoniously with nature, a peaceful life style is his ultimate goal. While nowadays, most people think that human beings are the center of the world, they damage the world at their will, leading to more and more environmental issues. The relationship between human beings and nature is getting worse and worse, so it is of great necessity for us to reconsider the relationship between human beings with nature, by carefully reading Walden, it will give us lots of enlightenment. This thesis with Thoreau and Walden as research target, it elaborates Thoreau’s ecological thoughts and its influence on modern society. 

Key words: Thoreau; ecological thoughts; influence

CONTENTS

Abstract

摘要

1. Introduction-1

2. Thoreau’s Ecological Thoughts in Walden-2

2.1 Man’s Harmony with Nature

2.2 Criticizing Human Control over Nature

2.3 Simple Material World and Rich Inner World

2.4 Man's Co-existence with Nature

3. The Influence of Thoreau’s Ecological Thoughts on Modern Society-8

3.1 Man’s Awaking to Ecologcial Conciousness

3.2 Self-realization and Living Near Nature

3.3 Walden's Realistic Significance

4. Conclusion-11

Bibliography-12

Acknowledgements.13