摘要
Henry David Thoreau, an American Transcendentalist of 19th century, surprisingly share profound affinities with Chuang Tzu, a legendary ancient Chinese philosopher in many respects. Of all the similarities, simplicity is the most significant advocacy they both strive to preach. They both believe the sensual desires and spiritual qualities existed in an opposing relationship. They both agreed that aiming for simplicity is to obtain spiritual wealth. They both claim that simplicity purifies one＇s material life and helps turn one＇s vision inward. Simplicity is a necessary aspect of the path to spiritual freedom. Nature is an indispensable realm to reconcile their spiritual and practical
