Reflective
Reflective: Characterized by or given to meditation or contemplation; thoughtful
syn. thoughtful, meditative, contemplative, insightful

From Henry David Thoreau’s "Life Without Principle":

         
There is a coarse and boisterous money-making fellow in the outskirts of our town, who is going to build a bank-wall under the hill along the edge of his meadow. The powers have put this into his head to keep him out of mischief, and he wishes me to spend three weeks digging there with him. The result will be that he will perhaps get some more money to board, and leave for his heirs to spend foolishly. If I do this, most will commend me as an industrious and hard-working man; but if I choose to devote myself to certain labors which yield more real profit, though but little money, they may be inclined to look on me as an idler. Nevertheless, as I do not need the police of meaningless labor to regulate me, and do not see anything absolutely praiseworthy in this fellow's undertaking any more than in many an enterprise of our own or foreign governments, however amusing it may be to him or them, I prefer to finish my education at a different school.

       
In his lecture “Life Without Principle,” Henry David Thoreau explores society’s view of principle by reflecting on his thoughts. Beginning with a hypothetical situation to convey his message, Thoreau carefully deliberates the results of his friend’s actions. His use of “if” clauses helps him further develop these reflections concerning the value of money when compared to “real profit.” By lecturing his audience in the form of a reflection upon his own actions, Thoreau sends a powerful message to his audience about the irrationality of society’s values.

Thoreau, Henry David. "Life Without Principle." 31 August 2004. 13 November
       2004. <http://eserver.org/thoreau/life1.html>.