However, his opinion changes when he observes the end result of the labor - a piece of meaningless yard art. Thoreau asserts that he requires no direction from the "police of meaningless labor" in determining how to spend his time.
However, his perspective changes when he witnesses the end product of his efforts - a useless decorative item. Thoreau claims that he needs no guidance from the "authorities of idle work" in deciding how to allocate his time, implying that he values autonomy and purpose.