Thoreau was a leader in the Transcendentalist movement.

Thoreau, Henry David One of the most influential figures in the Transcendentalist movement was Henry David Thoreau. Through his writings, personal sorrow, ideals, and connection with Ralph Waldo Emerson, he helped to lead this movement. Transcendentalism's fundamental tenets include the right to peacefully protest when laws conflict with one's own convictions and the concepts of being one with nature. Due to his training, life experiences, and familial influences, Henry David Thoreau was able to lead this movement.

Thoreau is famous for his outspoken speeches and articles in addition to his naturalistic and philosophical writings. On July 12th, 1817, in Concord, Massachusetts, Thoreau was born. His little family traveled about quite a bit. John Thoreau started a grocery store in Chelmsford, Massachusetts, where the family relocated in 1818; however three years later, in 1821, the store closed, and the family moved to Boston where John taught school. In 1823, the Thoreau family returned to Concord, where John took over his brother-in-law’s pencil factory.