Henry David Thoreau had pretty mixed views about the new system of the railroads. While he was mostly optimistic and positive, he did have reservations as well.
As a technical accomplishment, he was really impressed. Trains could accomplish a lot at the material level (316). It felt good to be more connected with others in the country. He felt "more like a citizen of the world" (316). The idea of commerce and trade is "closely allied to nature" (317) because it demands bravery, steadiness, and confidence for those involved in it. Railroads forced people to be more punctual and helped to energize people and the economy by moving more goods and people at a faster rate than before. He thought of a train track like one's own individual path one must follow. While you may not know where it leads, it does go forward. Overall, Thoreau says people "should accept the advantages" (319) of trains in society.
Despite all the benefits railroads presented, Thoreau still had concerns. The train is so different from nature, and its power and fore make it elevate to the level of demigod (317), in between a human and a god. It seems ominous because it is new to his time. His main concern was that trains provide an "improved means to an unimproved end" (320). People were focusing too much on material wealth and economic achievement and not enough on spiritual enlightenment and enjoying nature.
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