Henry david thoreau. Henry david thoreau (18 17- 1862), an American writer and philosopher, is the author of Walden Lake, Lakes and Waters, and the thesis Civil Disobedience Rights (also translated as Passive Resistance and Civil Disobedience). "Lake light and water color" is based on scenery. Walden still seems too ordinary. Although it is beautiful, it is far from grand, especially for those who don't come here often or have never lived by the lake, it may not leave a deep impression. However, the lake here is so deep and pure that it is worth remembering.