To disguise their identities, some of the most well-known and famous authors have utilized pen names. A pen name serves as a shield, allowing the author to disguise his or her identity, shake off any internal or external preconceived preconceptions, and write freely in the genre of his or her choosing. For example, Jane Austen used the pseudonym "Mrs. George Knight" because she wanted to publish at a time when women could not own property themselves and thus needed another name by which they could be identified in publications. A pen name is also a useful tool for an author looking to make a name for himself or herself. For example, Henry David Thoreau developed a reputation as a man of philosophy and nature who lived alone in a cabin on Walden Pond; this made him an ideal candidate for publication under his own name. However, Thoreau was only 31 years old when he wrote "Walden," so he needed a way to distinguish himself from other philosophers of his time. Thus, he published under a pen name that would attract more readers. Finally, a pen name can be a useful tool for an author looking to spread news about his or her work without being associated with another person's reputation.