Questions: Which quote from Thoreau's Walden is the best example of the transcendentalist ideal of emphasizing spiritual wellbeing over financial well-being?

The best quote from Thoreau's "Walden" that exemplifies the transcendentalist ideal of emphasizing spiritual well-being over financial well-being is:

Section 21: "Moreover, if you are restricted in your range by poverty... where it is sweetest."

1. Section 21: "Moreover, if you are restricted in your range by poverty... where it is sweetest."

   • Explanation: This quote directly addresses the idea that financial limitations (poverty) do not necessarily restrict one's ability to find joy and fulfillment. Thoreau suggests that even with limited financial means, one can still experience the richness of life and find sweetness in simple, natural experiences. This aligns with the transcendentalist belief that spiritual and personal growth are more important than material wealth.

2. Section 12: "Why should I feel lonely? is not our planet in the Milky Way?"

   • Explanation: While this quote reflects Thoreau's transcendentalist view of finding connection and meaning in the broader universe, it does not directly address the contrast between spiritual well-being and financial well-being. It speaks more to the idea of cosmic unity and the insignificance of individual loneliness in the grand scheme of things.

3. Section 14: "One attraction in coming to the woods to live was that I should... see the Spring come in."

   • Explanation: This quote highlights Thoreau's desire to immerse himself in nature and witness its cycles firsthand. It reflects the transcendentalist value of connecting with nature for personal and spiritual growth. However, it does not explicitly contrast this with financial well-being, making it less directly relevant to the question of emphasizing spiritual over financial well-being.

In summary, the quote from Section 21 is the most fitting example of the transcendentalist ideal of prioritizing spiritual well-being over financial well-being, as it explicitly addresses the idea that poverty does not limit one's ability to find joy and fulfillment in life.