Part 1, Chapter 3 The Wilderness, Section 5 Summary

Because of the war, Holmes developed a new view of the world. This view could not consider Boston to be the center of intellectual thinking, as his father had believed. Boston was only a city in the United States and the world. It had no real reason for being considered the center of thought. He felt that imposing the partial views of Boston on others in America was wrong. As he grew older, he continued to live in a solitary fashion, and enjoyed his solitude.

Part 1, Chapter 3 The Wilderness, Section 5 Analysis

The author finishes this section by giving the reader the views of the older, more experienced Holmes. He explains how Holmes uses his newfound ideals to create and influence his life, and his old age.