Follow Up to "Stepping Out into the Woods"

My idea of "stepping out into the woods" was to step away from all my distractions and focus on the tasks that are necessary to be completed. This means I had to stop using Facebook, Twitter, and other amusements. The other day I got a smart phone which is only adding another level of difficulty to this test. I have cut down my time spent on the computer by strictly only using it for school work and last night I turned my phone off while completing my homework. I have realized that I can live without social media and not feel anxious to check the different websites every hour. My bedtime is now a half an hour earlier because I am not wasting away minutes on unimportant things. For awhile now I have wanted to stray away from my distraction and this "stepping out into the woods" test has helped greatly.

"Stepping out into the Woods"

Henry David Thoreau gave me a new perspective on living and how to achieve a quality life. He wrote multiple times in his story, Walden, inferring that he believe conforming to society takes away from the meaning of a good life. He strongly believes each person should be an individual and live according to their own values. Thoreau had the courage needed to step away from society by "stepping out into the woods" and spending five years of his life in seclusion. He needed to feel isolated for the outside would to find himself. I believe "stepping out into the woods" means daring to be different and taking a step outside of the world's conforming aspects and bursting the bubble of your comfort zone. It is very challenging to gain enough courage to follow in Thoreau's foot steps but it is possible. After reading Franklin's 13 Values, number six stood out to me the most. He wrote about spending your time wisely and applying yourself to only the necessary actions that will benefit your life. This week I am going to test myself to see if I have the will power to no longer procrastinate and be foolish with time. The next seven days my perseverance will be tested but I must remember the words of Thoreau when he said, "Here is life, an experiment to a great extent untried by me" (Thoreau 260).

Greg Smith's Declaration of Independence

Greg Smith worked for Goldman Sachs, an investment banking and securities firm, for over a decade. This time span allowed Smith to watch the company change and evolve into a business he believes is very corrupt.. In his article, Why I am Leaving Goldman Sachs, he reveals that, "the environment now is as toxic and destructive as I have ever seen it" (Smith 1). He repeats himself often and refers back to the company's shift in culture and values over the past twelve years. It is evident that Goldman Sachs has switched its focus from making the client pleased to making the most money off the client even if it is not the best financial decision for them.

Many times throughout this article, I found similarities between Smith's accusations and the Declaration of Independence. The citizens that came to America from over seas dreamed for their freedom. Goldman Sachs and Great Britain connect on various levels which include their desire for money and denying the people their respect. In addition, Smith's article and the Declaration of Independence were written to be wake up calls to Goldman Sachs and Great Britain that they will not stand for their nonsense any longer. 

Goldman Sachs and Great Britain used tactics to increase their income by doing whatever it takes. Their last worry in the world would be if the people are satisfied. Smith commented on his company's work ethic and stated that, "it's purely about how we can make the most possible money off of them" (Smith 2). Great Britain would strongly agree with this statement because they made unwarranted taxes, such as the Stamp, Sugar, and Tea Acts, to control and increase their income over seas in America. The Declaration of Independence was written so that if the government ever became out of line the people have the right, "to alter or abolish it, and to institute a new government" (Jefferson 1). When the colonies had enough of Britain's absurdity and realized the taxes were not fair, they changed the government. Smith believes that once Goldman Sachs' clients have the same realization, "they will eventually stop doing business with [them]" (Smith 3).

For Greg Smith, this article is his version of the Declaration of Independence. He acknowledges that he is done with the lying, unfairness, and culture of Goldman Sachs. This is his goodbye letter just like the Declaration of Independence was for America to Great Britain.

The New England Primer and Bradstreet Poem Connection

The New England Primer and Anne Bradstreet's poem, "Upon the Burning of Our House", were written in the same era. These two authors correlated their writing with God and the Bible which links them together. Bradstreet used some of the underlying lessons that were taught in the New England Primer. Although the Primer was broken down into a language simple enough for a child to comprehend, Bradstreet was able to intertwine these lessons appropriately. Bradstreet admitted in her poem that she would not deny God when life became complicated. She affirmed this when she stated, "Raise up they thoughts above the sky...My hope and treasure lies above." (Line 41, 54) Letter P of the New England Primer acknowledges Peter's denial to the Lord and the saddest that struck him because of his sin. Bradstreet learned from the Peter's story in the Primer to put all her faith in the Lord when her doubt rises.

The New England Primer also spoke about the time line of life. Letter G states, "As runs the Glafs, Man's life doth pafs." The lesson behind this letter was that life is short and time is passing so live your life for the Lord. Anne Bradstreet expressed this lesson in her poem because she realized that material items were only physical and not truly needed. She believed that God would give her a better afterlife and to achieve this gift she must live her life in accordance to the Lord and his teachings.

These two works were intended for two different audiences but have partially equal meanings. Both authors would agree about the teachings of God and the Bible. It can be looked as the New England Primer influencing Anne Bradstreet's writing because she most likely read the Primer prior to writing her poem. Each author expressed God and the Bible heavily in their writing. Bradstreet begins her poem speaking about her faith in God when she said, "And to my God my heart did cry, To strengthen me in my distress." (Line 8, 9) She let the audience know that from the start she was exclusively writing this poem not only for herself but for God. The New England Primer is simply all about God and the Bible. All twenty six letters of the English alphabet represent God and a concept from the Bible. Anne Bradstreet's, "Upon the Burning of Our House", and the New England Primer prove that God's influence on the Puritans and this time period was very strong and forceful.