Reading this passage connects with Thoreau’s attitude towards nature and solitude in the way of how he describes his journey between his house in the woods and the populated village. It is clear that he prefers being in the woods, around his cabin, because the speed and chaos of the city is too hectic and overwhelming for him. He doesn’t like being bombarded with questions of paying taxes and other societal norms/requirements.
The Paths
I was quite surprised to discover the walking boards at Johnson Woods. The image in my head was an untouched, or at least moderately, touched piece of land where nature developed on its own. Filled with surprise, I continued walking down the path. Following the path means following a predetermined route, seeing what we’re supposed to see and being limited to that. Although it has its upsides, like making sure visitors witness essential parts, the predetermined route retracted from the sense of exploration and wonder.