Final answer:
Henry David Thoreau's time at Walden Pond, far from showing indifference, reflected his pursuit of authentic living and moral responsibility. His practices of self-reliance and advocacy for individualism suggest engagement rather than apathy. Thoreau's influence on peaceful resistance movements contradicts the notion of his indifference to humanity.
Step-by-step explanation:
Ezra Pound's assertion that Henry David Thoreau's experiment at Walden Pond shows his indifference to other humans can be examined through the lens of Thoreau's lifelong works and beliefs. In Walden; Or, Life in the Woods, Thoreau emphasizes the importance of living simply and deliberately, which can be interpreted not as indifference, but as seeking personal authenticity and self-reliance. Thoreau does distance himself from industrial society to some extent, but this is in pursuit of a more profound engagement with life's fundamental truths, not out of a disregard for humanity. His other works, particularly Civil Disobedience, reveal a deep concern for social justice and individual moral responsibility. Therefore, while Pound may perceive Thoreau's lifestyle as unfavorably isolating, a closer examination suggests that Thoreau's actions stem from a desire to live with principle and consciousness, ultimately aiming to inspire societal improvement.
Moreover, Thoreau's experiment involved a great deal of self-reliance, as he built his own house and furniture, and grew his own food. He also advocated for nonviolent resistance to unjust laws, inspired by his opposition to slavery and war. Thoreau's focus was on individual freedom and individualism, demonstrating that one can live by personal principles while still holding strong convictions about society's woes. His belief in passive resistance went on to influence crucial figures like Gandhi and Martin Luther King, Jr., which hardly indicates indifference to fellow humans.
Thus, while Thoreau's methods may have been unorthodox, his purpose was to explore a life centered on essential values that could offer insight and philosophy transcendentalism sorely needed in a rapidly industrializing world. His intent was not to ignore the plights of others but to live in a way that might ultimately serve as a model for individual liberty and responsibility towards society at large.