What does "get on" mean in this sentence from Walden?

Question

In the first chapter of Walden, Thoreau writes:

I cannot but perceive that this so-called rich and refined life is a thing jumped at, and I do not get on in the enjoyment of the fine arts which adorn it, my attention being wholly occupied with the jump; for I remember that the greatest genuine leap, due to human muscles alone, on record, is that of certain wandering Arabs, who are said to have cleared twenty-five feet on level ground.

Having done some research, I read it:

I cannot but perceive that this so-called rich and refined life is a thing accepted enthusiastically, and I do not relate well to the enjoyment of the fine arts which adorn it, my attention being wholly occupied with the jump;[...]

or

I cannot but perceive that this so-called rich and refined life is a thing jumped at, and I do not have a positive attitude to the enjoyment of the fine arts which adorn it, my attention being wholly occupied with the jump; for I remember that the greatest genuine leap, due to human muscles alone, on record, is that of certain wandering Arabs, who are said to have cleared twenty-five feet on level ground.

I'm not sure if I paraphrased it correctly. What does get on mean in this passage?

Answer 1

The 'in' you boldfaced in your quotation is part of the "enjoyment [..]". Paraphrased, it could be "in the enjoyment of the fine arts I do not get on". I'm just pointing this out for thoroughness' sake.

From that same Wiktionary article you linked, the following seem to be more likely candidates for interpretation:

2. To handle, cope or manage (over time); to perform or make progress.
6. To have a good relationship; to get along.

I believe the meaning lies somewhere in-between these definitions. Thoreau expresses his sceptical view of the popularity of "this so-called rich and refined life [and] the fine arts which adorn it". He seems to point out how he cannot "handle", or follow, "get along with", or, simply, understand that "enjoyment of the fine arts".

Answer 2

'I do not get on in…' various things might work but '… the enjoyment of the fine arts which adorn it' is too much.

'I do not get on in comprehension/English/writing…' might work.

'I do not get on in the enjoyment of the fine arts which adorn it…' is too great a leap and as such, indicates neither clarity nor precision, but simply confusion or pretension.