In the Clothes section of “Economy”, Thoreau argues that people are so focused on conformity that it makes us wear stupid clothes. The purpose of the clothes section is to explore the idea that focusing on the newest and trendiest clothes distracts us from finding our purpose and taking on new challenges. Thoreau says, “If you have any enterprise before you, try it in your old clothes.” It’s good to try new things in your old clothes. This is because our energy and focus should be on trying to uncover our talents and just buying new clothes is a waste of time. The second section of “Economy”, Shelter, Thoreau writes about how a shelter is really not that important. As Thoreau says, we can all live outdoors sleeping under the stars. He says, “It would be well, perhaps, if we were to spend more of our days and nights without any obstruction between us and the celestial bodies.” 

    I didn’t necessarily find this piece exciting; however, it made me think. The concept of old and new clothes is extremely important in life. I will definitely take this to heart. It made me consider how much I notice when people wear new clothes and I am often impressed by that. On the BB&N revisit day, I was questioning wether to wear khakis or joggers. I was worried about feeling out of place or too dressed up. I knew that either way I would be fine but I realized how much we think about our clothes and conformity. These readings definitely changed the way that I see the world for the better.  

    People should be focused on finding their purpose in life rather than the latest shiny new thing. We may want fancy clothes or house but in the end who we are is what defines us.