Project Gutenberg
2019-12-18
Public domain in the USA.
133
Thoreau, Henry David
1817
1862
Thoreau, Henry D. (Henry David)
The Service
Wikipedia page on this work: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Service
"The Service" by Henry David Thoreau is an essay written in the early 19th century, specifically in 1840. This philosophical treatise explores the notion of bravery, duty, and the nature of a true service that transcends mere obedience to societal expectations. Thoreau examines the qualities that define a brave individual and reflects on the importance of inner strength and virtue. In "The Service," Thoreau contrasts the courageous person with the coward, arguing that true bravery is rooted in a profound understanding and alignment with one’s inner values rather than external accolades or recognition. He presents a vision of life as an ongoing struggle against falseness and mediocrity, urging individuals to engage in a heroic quest that reflects deeper truths. The essay is imbued with poetic imagery and philosophical musings, culminating in a call for personal responsibility and moral courage in the face of societal pressures. Ultimately, Thoreau emphasizes the significance of living a life true to one’s ideals, suggesting that genuine fulfillment comes from such an authentic engagement with the world. (This is an automatically generated summary.)
Reading ease score: 71.8 (7th grade). Fairly easy to read.
en
American essays -- 19th century
PS
Text
Category: Essays, Letters & Speeches
Category: American Literature
Category: Philosophy & Ethics
53070
2025-07-24T08:42:18.391847
text/html
29643
2024-10-17T15:19:16
text/html
91041
2025-07-24T08:42:22.303786
application/epub+zip
90100
2025-07-24T08:42:20.043794
application/epub+zip
90101
2025-07-24T08:42:19.010819
application/epub+zip
175054
2025-07-24T08:42:24.022789
application/x-mobipocket-ebook
167506
2025-07-24T08:42:21.657800
application/x-mobipocket-ebook
131607
2022-09-27T14:33:04.046959
application/x-mobipocket-ebook
46215
2025-07-24T08:42:18.135827
text/plain; charset=us-ascii
26552
2024-10-17T15:19:16
text/plain; charset=us-ascii
16294
2025-07-24T08:42:24.173777
application/rdf+xml
12826
2025-07-24T08:42:19.505796
image/jpeg
3514
2025-07-24T08:42:19.258790
image/jpeg
87505
2025-07-24T08:42:18.398791
application/octet-stream
application/zip
Archives containing the RDF files for *all* our books can be downloaded at
https://book.klll.cc/wiki/Gutenberg:Feeds#The_Complete_Project_Gutenberg_Catalog
en.wikipedia