Walden for Hire: Business Lessons from Henry David Thoreau

An in-depth look at Henry David Thoreau’s innovative thinking and business achievements—for the unconventional professional and independent thinker.

You may be surprised by the hidden business lessons of a man better known for Transcendentalism and Civil Disobedience. It’s true—Henry David Thoreau has come to be defined primarily through the lenses of writer, environmentalist, thinker, surveyor, and activist. But a deeper look into his life reveals Thoreau as a creative and eclectic thought leader with timeless contributions in the business arena that are as profound as his impact in other disciplines.

Like so much else that Thoreau attempted in his life, when opportunities arose in his professional life, Thoreau not only proved himself more than capable at just about anything he put his mind to—from innovations in farming and science to writing and public speaking—but he did things in ways that were inventive and unconventional, often yielding highly-successful results.

In Walden for Hire, bestselling author Ken Lizotte draws out the hidden business insights we can all learn from through Thoreau’s life and the body of his work, bringing to light how his natural curiosity and problem-solving skills drove multi successful business enterprises and an enduring legacy.

© 2026 AMACOM (Audiobook): 9781400253852

Release date

Audiobook: 10 February 2026