From Sentiment to Action Henry David Thoreau’s Refusal to Use Animals

During his naturalistic observations, Thoreau developed his capacity for empathy and his feeling of sympathy for his animal neighbors. This sensitivity led him to feel compassion for animal-others and to try to inscribe this later in his actions by ceasing to fish, hunt, collect zoological specimens and eat animal flesh. However, the author is faced with many inner tensions and dilemmas.