In "Why I Went to the Woods" in Walden, what does he mean when he says "Rather than love, than money, than fame, give me truth"?

In our analysis of this
quote, let us remember the overall thrust of Thoreau's argument and what he is trying to
suggest. Thoreau went to the woods to escape what he saw as the insincerity and superficial
nature of civilisation. He found that living by himself forced him into a deeper relationship
with himself, with nature and with his mystical awareness of divine realities. In conflict with
this, he thought that society, with its focus on gaining love, money and fame, was something
that detracted from the ultimate realities of life and the truth of our existence as humans.
These frivolous, passing emotions and feelings only serve to distract us as humans from what, in
Thoreau's opinion, we should be focusing on, which is ourselves and the ultimate truth of our
identities.

This quote therefore plays an important part in making the
strident call in Thoreau's "Conclusion" for humanity to live to the beat of a
different drum and to reject the superficial values of society. Let us remember the image that
Thoreau uses to point out this different way of living:

If
a man does not keep pace with his companions, perhaps it is because he hears a different
drummer. Let him step to the music which he hears, however measured or far away.

Following truth as opposed to love, money and fame, which Thoreau
saw as being in conflict with the pursuit of truth, is something that was essential for man if
he is to live in harmony with himself, with nature, and with God.