Better understanding nature leads to a deep sense of happiness.

In the prologue North urges readers to use Thoreau's writing to help them get in touch with nature because this will lead to lifelong happiness. The details he chooses about his hero's existence seem to bear out the idea that Thoreau finds such happiness. From childhood, Henry is always most at peace when he escapes the confines of society and flees to the woods on his little boat. The simple act of watching nature's creatures, such as playful kittens, fascinates young Henry for hours at a time. Later, the Thoreau brothers prove that taking children out of the classroom and into nature improves their behavior and attitude.

Eventually, on Walden Pond, Thoreau describes each sight, sound or event in nature carefully and thoughtfully. Then he explains how this experience directly and positively influences his feelings. Signs of spring make...