Herman Cortez
Mrs. Juniper
AP Language and Composition P:6
16 November 2018
Transcendentalism: Truths About Existence
Transcendentalism is a literary and rational movement that started in the nineteenth century. According to Goodman, this movement teaches that “divinity pervades all nature and humanity.” Transcendentalism focuses on the idea of embracing idealism and concentrating on nature rather than material items. Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau were two prominent transcendentalist writers whose essays have influenced many views and lifestyles.
Emerson explores the concept of individualism and the importance of avoiding conformity in society in the essay, Self-Reliance. Emerson writes, “Society everywhere is in conspiracy against the man hood of every one of its members.” This aphorism means that society destroys individualism and makes all individuals conform what is thought to be normal. He also states, “Nothing is at last sacred but the integrity of your own mind.” This quotation confirms Emerson’s belief that a person must be honest and trust themselves and their values. He believes that you should be your own person and follow your own ideas. Self-Reliance also states, “To be great is to be misunderstood.” This means that a person must be unique to standout even if it causes others to think that they are odd. Emerson encourages readers not to conform to social expectations. I agree with everything that Emerson says, and fully endorse his conclusion that it is important for people to be themselves. Currently, our world is so boring. Everyone is wearing the same clothes, listening to the same music, and practicing the same customs. Avoiding conformity creates uniqueness in our world and makes it more interesting. If someone begins to cherish individualism, it will inspire other people to do it too, causing a ripple effect in our planet.
The concept of the power and healing properties that nature provides is discussed in Nature, written by Emerson. Within the essay, Emerson emphasizes that life can be understood by studying nature and the importance of remaining simple. Emerson writes, “Nature never means a mean appearance.” This quotation means that everything in nature is good and beautiful since it is natural. He also states, “To speak truly, few adult persons can see nature.” This quotation highlights the idea that adults have no imagination and take nature for granted. Grownups do not appreciate the natural world because they are focused on other things that they deem more important. Nature also states, “In the woods, we return to reason and faith.” This quotation focusses on the idea that God is in nature. Nature is the evidence of God and makes him manifest, which is why it is important to study and value the natural world. Emerson believes that people should stay away from technology. Although I agree with much that Emerson says, I cannot fully endorse his conclusion that all technological advances negatively impact mankind. In fact, there have been many advances in technology which have saved lives. For instance, new technological innovations in medicine have increased the life expectancy of Americans from about fifty years in the nineteenth century to about eighty-one years today.
The essay, Walden, written by Henry David Thoreau, explores the idea of simple living in nature. Thoreau writes, “I wanted to live deep and suck out the marrow of life” This quotation summarizes the belief Thoreau had on living. He thought it was imperative to get the most you can out of life so you can appreciate it to the fullest. He also states, “Simplicity, simplicity, simplicity.” This quotation emphasizes the belief that people should act and live modesty, only focusing on the bare essentials of life. In Walden, “Living is so dear” is also written. This quotation proves the idea that living is a priceless gift that should be treasured. Although I agree with much that Thoreau says, I cannot fully support the idea that a person should always live modestly. I believe it is perfectly fine to treat yourself sometimes because you deserve it. It is okay to go on a nice vacations a couple of times per year and sometimes buy yourself lavish things. Doing so allows you to enjoy life on another degree and is acceptable as long as you remain grounded and do not do it in excess.
Transcendentalist beliefs stress the importance of learning about oneself and God by examining their own self and their natural world. Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau were two respected essayists who have impacted the modern world today. Their philosophies on individual freedom directly went against slavery, benefiting the antislavery movement of the time. Transcendentalist writers have had a great influence on our world today. I agree and fully support the majority of Emerson’s and Thoreau’s ideas. These essays have inspired me to focus more on the natural world and myself instead of material items.
Works Cited
Emerson, Ralph Waldo. “Nature.” Ralph Waldo Emerson, transcendentalism-legacy.tamu.edu/authors/emerson/nature.html.
Emerson, Ralph Waldo. “Self-Reliance.” Ralph Waldo Emerson, emersoncentral.com/texts/essays-first-series/self-reliance/.
Goodman, Russell. “Transcendentalism.” Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy, Stanford University, 6 May 2017, plato.stanford.edu/entries/transcendentalism/.
Thoreau, Henry David. Walden. Project Gutenberg, Jan. 1995,