The Importance Of Transcendentalism

Words: 578

Pages: 3

Open Document

Transcendentalism, founded in 1836, brought people like Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau to fame. Their unique ideas and writing styles brought a new set of ideals and morals to the world during a time of renewed faith. Both men believed in the transcendentalist ideals, such as the importance of individuality. Both felt that society affects people in a negative manner. In their works, Emerson and Thoreau utilize different points of view that established a tone in order to spread the ideals of transcendentalism.
Emerson utilizes third person to show the importance of remaining an individual even with the societal pressure to conform. His third person writing comes in the form of a preacher. When writing about people’s reliance on property he …show more content…
Thoreau explains how he writes for himself, and what may be true to him may not be true to his entire audience. This personal opening feels more like a story, in contrast to Emerson’s gospel-like feel. In his work “Economy,” Thoreau explains how inheritance is worse than someone may realize,“I see young men, my townsmen, whose misfortune it is to have inherited farms, houses, barns, cattle, and farming tools; for these are more easily acquired than got rid of.” Here, man’s inheritance becomes a prison, forcing them to sacrifice themselves in order to deal with the inheritance. Inheritance can destroy a man’s individuality, and impose conformity. Like Emerson, Thoreau stresses the idea that materialistic possessions get in the way of who somebody truly is. Thoreau explains that living as one wants, not as everyone does, is the only way to maintain individuality. Thoreau’s out of the box views put everyday life into perspective and make people embrace their originality with his personal voice and realistic

Transcendental Beliefs

Transcendentalism is the act of going against the norms of society in order to live a simple life. Throughout the points of individualism, self reliance and the importance of nature Transcendentalism views are not supported by the Bible. Transcendentalist views show the importance of relying solely on oneself and not on others, including God. A great example of this is in the text “Self Reliance” which states: “Trust thyself: every heart vibrates to that iron string” (Emerson 270) This states the…

Words 515 - Pages 3

Ralph Waldo Emerson and Transcendentalism Essay

Transcendentalism is a type of literary and philosophical movement started appearing around 1830’s. The term “transcendental” is first used by German philosopher, Immanuel Kant, to describe the spontaneity of human mind and how not every object can be known that individuals can reason truths on their own (Hayes). At the time period, Unitarianism was very popular religion which influenced heavily on the rise of transcendentalism. Unitarianism emphasizes individual’s freedom of religious interpretation…

Words 329 - Pages 2

Romanticism Vs Transcendentalism

and emotions. It has nothing to do with romance at all. Transcendentalism, a branch of Romanticism, is the knowledge to go beyond education. It also highlights the nature, and individualism. Romantic artists don't have one single type of creating like Impressionists do. Romanticism represents the importance of feelings and freedom greater than educational growth, they believe that everyone should follow what they’re feeling. Transcendentalism draws thoughts from the outside to the human view even…

Words 145 - Pages 1

Transcendentalism Research Paper

Javiere Richards Mrs. Hanlon Honors ELA 10 May 2024 Transcendentalism: Embracing Nature, Individualism, and Spirituality In a world marked by industrialization and conformity, Transcendentalism emerged in the 19th century as a philosophical movement that celebrated the inherent greatness of humanity and the beauty of nature. With its roots in the ideas of thinkers like Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau, Transcendentalism urged people to trust their intuition and self-reliance while seeking…

Words 1171 - Pages 5

Jon Krakauer

Wilde's 'The Importance of Being Earnest' reveals a captivating exploration of identity, isolation, nature, and societal norms. By examining the literary techniques employed by Jon Krakauer and Oscar Wilde, a deeper understanding of the human experience depicted in their respective works can be gained. Through analysis, the complexities found within both narratives will be uncovered." In discussing thematic connections between Jon Krakauer’s “Into the Wild” and Oscar Wilde’s “The Importance of Being…

Words 1061 - Pages 5

Examples Of Transcendentalism

What exactly is transcendentalism? The term can be defined in many different ways considering the idea itself involves many different beliefs, such as the progressive views on feminism and the importance of nature. Transcendentalism was first articulated in the mid-1800s and began to grow over time until it lost popularity in the beginning of the 20th century. Many central figures helped spread the awareness of this movement including Henry David Thoreau and Ralph Waldo Emerson, who spoke of the…

Words 964 - Pages 4

Ivan Ilyich Transcendentalism

Ilych” by Leo Tolstoy and the film “Into the Wild” shows two individuals lives that are heavily influenced by the ideas of transcendentalism. Though both individuals, Chris and Ivan, do not live in similar ways, they both display similar aspects. Chris shows that transcendentalism through isolation physically, while Ivan isolates himself mentally. The main idea of transcendentalism, commonly known from the writings of Thoreau and Emerson, is shown throughout “The Death of Ivan Ilych” by Leo Tolstoy and…

Words 1012 - Pages 5

How Did Ralph Waldo Emerson Impact Society

2014 Ralph Waldo Emerson’s Impact on American Literature Through American literature, transcendentalism has impacted society’s views: however, one specific author initiated this development. Ralph Waldo Emerson was driven to alter his concept of society after the tragic passing of his wife. Although this event was traumatizing, Emerson continued to produce brilliant works that utilized nature, the importance of the individual, unanswered questions about life, and the connection between every animate…

Words 1220 - Pages 5

Individualism In Dead Poet's Society

Dead Poet’s Society, a movie classic with a powerful theme and quotes about the importance of individualism. Many parallels can be drawn from the movie to the ideas of Transcendentalism. From the vast number of paramount quotes spoke by the characters and the movie’s strong message. My favorite quote was spoken by Mr. John Keating, “You must strive to find your own voice because the longer you wait to begin, the less likely you are to find it at all.” This quote will always be relevant, no matter…

Words 305 - Pages 2

The Crucible Conformity Vs Individuality Analysis

Jefferson's brutal honesty, he makes it abundantly clear to the reader his desire for independence from Britain. Although Jefferson wanted independence from Britain and it's tyrannical government, he did not desire anarchy. In fact, he believed in the importance of having a Government structure, which is why he drafted the Declaration of Independence. It was time to establishing a government that spread power amongst many individuals. Although Deism…

Words 1085 - Pages 5