How does Walden appeal to modern generations?

Relying
on self, getting in touch with nature, listening to one's one voice rather than the clamor of
the crowd, living a simpler life--all good things for any time and place.  Certainly in our
high-tech, materialistic, this is a voice of reason and caution and individuality.  I think the
whole idea of just going away somewhere and leaving behind all the "trappings" of
civilization is appealing today.  Thus the commercials featuring vacations in secluded spots and
throwing away the blackberry.  It's a romantic concept, I think, and there is plenty of validity
to it.  I do, however, find it ironic that most people think Thoreau lived in complete isolation
and contemplation on some pond.  He actually walked into town (Concord) every day and was
visited by plenty of people regularly during his time at .  In fact, he says he left, in part,
because he and others had worn a recognizable path, the beginning of a rut, and his time there
had served his purpose.