preview

Examples Of Transcendentalism

Good Essays

During the 1820’s, Ralph Waldo Emerson had developed the social movement of Transcendentalism. His ideas had immensely flourished amongst society. Some of his ideas pertained that our spirit progresses deeper into nature, and that our thoughts and soul go beyond what the world sees it as. He believed that society should not be conformed to worldly regulations, and he encouraged things such as; self independence, appreciation of nature, and to consider beliefs that reach beyond scientific knowledge. Transcendentalism also focuses on the idea of letting go of things of this world, and focusing on yourself to fulfill potential in life.
Modern society conforms to social norms, and lacks transcendentalism ideas of nonconformity, nature, and self-reliance.
Transcendentalism strongly sides on the idea of non-conformity. It is a reflection of humans who do not live a life conforming to the world. Submission of worldly things will not lead to a better life but instead hurt you with dissatisfaction. Emerson states, “For nonconformity the world whips you with its displeasure. And therefore a man must know how to estimate a sour face.” (Emerson). He explains how you can not tell a person's sour or sweet face because as the days go by they change to conform with the world. Their is no point in determining one's face because they are not their true selves. Emerson believed that humans by birth were naturally superb and that as years went on society corrupts them. Similar in terms of

Get Access