Chapter 11: Higher Laws

In this chapter, Thoreau discusses the dual nature of his impulses and how that relates to his actions. His presumed attitude of enlightenment and reflection on previous years creates a tone of experience, like he knows how the lives of himself and others should best function. This creates a feeling of distance from the reader and from other people, but it is easy to sense that the purpose of this chapter is more for Thoreau himself than for his audience.
The chapter opens with Thoreau writing about his occasional desire to act savagely. "I found in myself, and still find, an instinct toward a higher, or, as it is named, spiritual life, as do most men, and another toward a primitive rank and savage one, and I reverence them both." In this quote, Thoreau rejects the idea that people should seek only a higher spiritual life and states that primitive instincts are an integral part of being human. The use of the word “reverence” shows that Thoreau is not ashamed of the two sides of his being, and he considers them to an extent holy. He goes on to advocate the sports of hunting and fishing, showing that there is something to be gained in following more “savage” instincts. “When some of my friends have asked me anxiously about their boys, whether they should let them hunt, I have answered, yes — remembering that it was one of the best parts of my education — make them hunters, though sportsmen only at first, if possible, mighty hunters at last, so that they shall not find game large enough for them in this or any vegetable wilderness.” This quote shows why Thoreau advocates hunting, but also leads in to the next part which is not as supportive of the sport. The use of the word “anxiously” in the quote shows that Thoreau thinks that others have doubts about the benefits of hunting, but he remains resolute.
But Thoreau advocates hunting and fishing only in how it brings people closer to nature and therefore (in his mind) to finding higher truths. Eventually, Thoreau’s morality convinced him that hunting, as well as fishing, are wrong. “I have found repeatedly, of late years, that I cannot fish without falling a little in self-respect.” This seems to directly conflict with what was stated at the beginning of the chapter. However, overall it seems that Thoreau is promoting a more evolutionary view towards savage instincts. While younger, there is a lot to be learned and gained from these activities, but they eventually lose their significance. In the end, the animal desires should give into the higher instincts that man is capable of, but unfortunately cannot be entirely expelled. “Possibly we may withdraw from it, but never change its nature.” It is always there, but only in avoiding it can one reach a higher level. The word “possibly” makes it seem harder to achieve and more of a distant goal.
That is the significance of the title of this chapter. “Higher Laws” refer to the laws of spirituality and morality that Thoreau strives for. His expression of his own spirituality is personal and revealing compared to the statements of protest and philosophy in “Civil Disobedience.” One symbolic part of this chapter is in the last paragraph of the chapter, which contains a story of a man named John Farmer. That name was likely meant to refer to any common man, so anybody could find himself in that situation. Living a life of hard work and little advancement, Farmer eventually hears a voice that asks him: “Why do you stay here and live this mean moiling life, when a glorious existence is possible for you?” That question clarifies the actions which Thoreau himself has taken in living at Walden.