Final answer:
Henry David Thoreau's life at Walden Pond was characterized by simplicity and self-sufficiency, focusing on writing and gardening. He advocated for living 'deliberately' and purposefully, contrary to his neighbors' views of his lifestyle.
Step-by-step explanation:
While residing at Walden Pond, Henry David Thoreau embraced a life of simplicity and self-sufficiency. Thoreau's primary activities centered on writing and gardening, with particular attention to his bean patch. He describes these experiences in detail in his writings, underscoring his philosophy of living purposefully and self-reliantly. Thoreau's neighbors may have viewed his lifestyle as selfish; however, Thoreau himself believed in the importance of living 'deliberately,' a concept he advocated for others to embrace in their lives.