I read this example as being a stereotypical shallow "aspiration" that is packaged up and sold as being fulfilling in modern culture. The author even points this out:

> Anyone with even a pretty cursory understanding of Thoreau’s life and philosophy knows that such a hedonistic, materialistic, jet-setting lifestyle isn’t exactly what he had in mind with that line.

Given that the article follows up with analysis and praise of Thoreau's approach to finding joy in the day-to-day and taking new, more curious and imaginative perspectives on our everyday surroundings, I hardly think the author is propping up this initial stereotypical example as being a positive role model.