Gaspard Koenig, philosophe : "La philosophie de Thoreau ? Simplifiez ! Simplifiez ! Simplifiez !"

Written over several decades, 'Mémoires d'outre-tombe' is a sweeping panorama of Chateaubriand's life, reflecting on his experiences as a soldier, traveller, literary giant, politician, and diplomat. The memoirs provide vivid descriptions of landscapes, cities, and historical events, and offer nuanced insights into a volatile epoch from the first French Revolution to the February Revolution of 1848. Chateaubriand's narrative is characterized by its richly evocative prose, laying bare his joys and sorrows, triumphs and failures, with remarkable candor and vulnerability. The work stands as a testament to the enduring power of literature to illuminate the human experience and connect readers to something greater than themselves.

Published in 1854, 'Walden; Or, Life in the Woods' is a series of 18 essays that reflect Thoreau's experiences living in a small cabin near Walden Pond from July 1845 to September 1847. The book is a personal declaration of independence, a social experiment, and a voyage of spiritual discovery. Thoreau details his life in the woods, discussing the construction of his cabin, his daily activities, and his philosophical reflections on economy, social relations, and the importance of living in harmony with nature. The work is considered a cornerstone of American literature and a foundational text in the Transcendentalist movement, emphasizing the benefits of a simplified lifestyle and the importance of individual freedom and self-reliance.