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112 realization, which only wants a Thoreau's mind to elevate it to classic beauty." In that sentence is suggestion that Thoreau had already expressed desire for some retreat, some "sylvan realization." In truth, the Walden lodge was the outcome of a long, though vague, anticipation. From the communistic settlements of the time, Emerson and Thoreau both held aloof. Emerson's clear foresight and prudence realized their futility under existent conditions; he also disapproved of their restrictive character which seemed to him undemocratic, if not unpatriotic. He was, however, sufficiently impressed by the communistic spirit so that, in 1840, he invited the Alcott family to share his home and urged Mrs. Emerson to further simplify their domestic life by including the servants at the family dining-table. Mrs. Emerson thought the former plan "a wild scheme" but acquiesced. Mrs. Alcott's good sense, however, prompted her refusal to accept such unmeasured hospitality. The efforts at domestic social reform also proved futile because the two maids were quite unwilling to join the family at meals.

Thoreau's reasons for distrust of communism were resident in his antagonism to the fundamental idea. His trend of mind was wholly individualistic. He was never a disciple of communism, as living