Read the following excerpt from Walden by Henry Thoreau and then choose your answer.
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. With respect to luxuries and comforts, the wisest have ever lived a more simple and meagre life than the poor. The ancient philosophers, Chinese, Hindoo, Persian, and Greek, were a class than which none has been poorer in outward riches, none so rich in inward. We know not much about them. It is remarkable that we know so much of them as we do. The same is true of the more modern reformers and benefactors of their race. None can be an impartial or wise observer of human life but from the vantage ground of what we should call voluntary poverty. Of a life of luxury the fruit is luxury, whether in agriculture, or commerce, or literature, or art. There are nowadays professors of philosophy, but not philosophers. Yet it is admirable to profess because it was once admirable to live. To be a philosopher is not merely to have subtle thoughts, nor even to found a school, but so to love wisdom as to live according to its dictates, a life of simplicity, independence, magnanimity, and trust.
Which of the following best states the author's claim?
a) Only through embracing luxury can humans reach the pinnacle of self-awareness.
b) Mankind must strive to accumulate luxuries and comforts during the journey toward personal fulfillment.
c) The outcome of a life of luxury is most certainly personal growth and contentment.
d) Beware the pursuit of luxury as it will surely barricade the path that leads to self-awareness.