Life Without Principle written by Henry David Thoreau is an essay that was first published in 1863. While Henry David Thoreau was considered a transcendentalist, his work of writings encompasses social sciences, political science, civil rights, and humanities. In Life Without Principle, Henry David Thoreau offers his program for a righteous livelihood. In writing Life Without Principle, Henry David Thoreau was driven by ten themes, such as Don't cheat people by conspiring with them to protect their comfort zones, and Don't cheat yourself by working primarily for a paycheck. A Life Without Principle is studied in social sciences, political science, civil rights, and humanities, yet while only an essay, Life Without Principle is often textbook required reading.