Despite the best efforts of Hollywood in recent years to teach the American public about Buddhism, acceptance of the doctrine of reincarnation is not widespread. The naysayers insist this theory is preposterous, since the predispositions of the two men varied so greatly. The Buddhists point out, though, that since Thoreau's theories of passivity have never been either widely accepted or practiced, perhaps he was a little p.o.ed and had developed a more hard-bitten attitude before this most recent incarnation.
Different times demand different measures, after all.
Both built cabins in the woods with their own hands, although Ted had an easier time because he used plywood. Ted's middle name is John, and he has a brother named David. Henry's middle name was David, and he had a brother named John. They both entered Harvard at the age of 16, although Ted apparently was more partial to their alma mater's school color, crimson. They both worked as teachers.