Why did Henry David Thoreau choose to spend 2 years in a cabin?

A. to contemplate himself and the world

B. to rely completely on nature

C. to earn money

D. to escape his social anxieties

The correct answer is A. to contemplate himself and the world.

Henry David Thoreau, the author of Walden, decided to leave society for two entire years, and spend them living in a cabin, surrounded by nature. He did this in order to find meaning, to locate his place in this world, and understand society better.

He didn't want to rely completely on nature - he believed society was still important, but he wanted to rely on nature more than on society. Earning money was never on his mind, and neither were social anxieties. What he did want to do was find a purpose in life, and see the beauty in simplicity.