I agree with pohnpei397 and would add that much of our self-worth today comes either from the almighty dollar or performing honorably in a profession. We are a people who have come to value hard work which indeed has it's place in a society.
Thoreau's view of relection is something our society has adopted in bite-sized pieces. In many ways, Americans have come to spend time developing their character (by working in soup kitchens, doing things for others, reading a book, participating in relaxing days at the spa) and trying to de-stress. If we don't do these things and are just burdened by our work, many people believe we do not improve at our work but become stagnant when we don't feed our souls or take time to relax. We in essence become ineffective.
I think this is part of what he was getting at. We go to our jobs to make money because that's how our society operates. But day after day of that sometimes does nothing to nourish the soul.
He was proud to show that he didn't conform to the ideas of the world paying bills and being confined by work and debt. His wealth came from having a rich soul and a well-fed spirit which could only be done by hours of introspection and reflection.
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