Thoreau, in his book, Walden, had some critical beliefs about the division of labor. He claimed to be independent of it during his time on Walden Pond; yet, if you actually read the text, then you will see that Thoreau was, in fact, quite keen on using tools and the like that he purchased from large manufacturers, rather than making them with his own two hands. This is a contradiction of his claims against the division of labor, and ought to be acknowledged when reading the book.
Thoreau decided to do an experiment where he ‘isolated’ himself from the rest of society. In reality, this was all a myth. He bought tools from town. He went into town to gossip with friends at bars a few times a week. He didn’t even do his own laundry; he sent it down the street for his mother to wash for him. Thoreau relied on the division of labor and the mass-manufacturing of goods just as much as if he had been living anywhere besides Walden Pond. He was not isolated at all. This defeated the entire purpose of the experiment, which is likely what lead Thoreau to leave Walden Pond at the end of twenty-six months.
Thoreau relied heavily upon the division of labor during his time at Walden Pond. Almost all of his amenities were produced by others that had experience in their respective fields, and it completely went against the concept of his experiment.