What are the common misconceptions surrounding Thoreau, the person and his body of work?

One misconception about Thoreau is the lifestyle he led while living at Walden Pond. While there, Thoreau was not living under the physical and mental constraints of poverty.... but rather, he took the opportunity to grow, empower himself, and push the limits of his creativity and independence.

Another misconception can be found in the wife belief that Thoreau's time at Walden Pond was one of isolation, a belief that is completely incorrect. Thoreau had multitudes of visitors, and he made his way into town a few times per week.