Thoreau's entire essay entitled "Walden" concentrates on simplifying life. Therefore, where he says to "keep your accounts on a thumbnail" he means that people should not owe money to anyone and if they do, then it should be a small, minor amount. Thoreau makes a few references to being modest and not overspending and this is one of them. Basically, he wants people to live as he does -- in the simplest way, without any worries (without any money worries if you look at this quote in particular).
No comments:
Post a Comment