Most of the luxuries, and many of the so called comforts of life, are not only not indispensable, but positive hindrances to the elevation of mankind. Most of the luxuries, and many of the so-called comforts of life, are not only indispensable, but positive hindrances to the elevation of mankind. With respect to luxuries and comforts, the wisest have ever lived a more simple and meager life than the poor.
Thoreau discusses how luxuries in a “civilized” mans world is a hinderance. They do not allow humans to see the most natural and beautiful things in life. Work and money have forced people into lives that don’t allow them to live their fullest life. Reece discusses how Thoreau explains that division of labor turns people in machine (pg. 261) . It doesn’t allow people to live their true lives. Both men pay attention to the “utopia of solitude” and how this is is beneficial to mankind.