
FAQ About Henry David Thoreau

What role did Ralph Waldo Emerson play in Thoreau's life?
Ralph Waldo Emerson was both a mentor and a friend to Henry David Thoreau. Emerson introduced Thoreau to transcendentalist ideas and offered significant support by allowing Thoreau to live on his property by Walden Pond. Emerson’s philosophy greatly influenced Thoreau's work, and their discussions helped shape Thoreau's thoughts on individualism, nature, and social reform.