Do you need a new state of mind, form of spirituality, or a pragmatic philosophy? Then transcendentalism is right for you! Transcendentalism was started around 1836 in New England. It was influenced by romanticism, Platonism, and Kantian philosophy. Most people that struggled about religion and finding spirit. It is not a religion but it’s more of a state of mind or a form of spirituality. You may say they are the present day hippies. Transcendentalist authors Emerson, Thoreau, and Fuller may as well have been writing in 2014. Their thoughts are alive and well today.
Ralph Waldo Emerson was basically the spokesperson for transcendentalism. Emerson wrote about many topics but started developing ideas about freedom and individuality. He has greatly influenced many of his followers including thinkers, writers, and poets. “Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.” This quote said by Emerson shows how his state of mind is different and he’s trying to explain how people should try to make a difference in their lives. Emerson also said “The purpose of life is not to be happy. It is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate, to have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well.” This is true because the purpose of life is to try to change things for the better. If you do nothing then your life may be viewed as pointless. You also can’t be happy every second of your life so try to do something about it.
Henry David Thoreau was one of the founding fathers of transcendentalism. Thoreau was an author, poet, philosopher, abolitionist, and way more than listed. He is best known for a book her wrote titled “Walden”. A book about simple living in natural surroundings. “Rather than love, than money, than fame, give me truth.” This quote from the book was interesting because instead of wanting what most people would love to receive, he’d just want that truth and I say I could relate to that. Thoreau also said, “What you get by achieving your goals is not as important as what you become by achieving your goals.” I would say this is true because you become something different after you have achieved your goal. When you’re trying to achieve your goal you’ll do anything to accomplish it.
Margaret Fuller was a journalist, critic, and women's rights advocate. She wrote a book titled “Her book Woman in the Nineteenth Century” and was one of her first feminist writing. Fuller said “Beware of over great pleasure in being popular or even beloved.” This is a very true statement. As you could be hurt in being overly attached. So I’d recommend being careful. Nah mean.
I would say I’ve learned more than I’ve known about transcendentalism because I had no idea what it was. I’d say I still don’t know full detail about it. I wouldn’t consider myself a transcendentalist. I’m not into getting super into things or questioning existence of stuff but I do agree with trying to make a change.
Ralph Waldo Emerson was basically the spokesperson for transcendentalism. Emerson wrote about many topics but started developing ideas about freedom and individuality. He has greatly influenced many of his followers including thinkers, writers, and poets. “Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.” This quote said by Emerson shows how his state of mind is different and he’s trying to explain how people should try to make a difference in their lives. Emerson also said “The purpose of life is not to be happy. It is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate, to have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well.” This is true because the purpose of life is to try to change things for the better. If you do nothing then your life may be viewed as pointless. You also can’t be happy every second of your life so try to do something about it.
Henry David Thoreau was one of the founding fathers of transcendentalism. Thoreau was an author, poet, philosopher, abolitionist, and way more than listed. He is best known for a book her wrote titled “Walden”. A book about simple living in natural surroundings. “Rather than love, than money, than fame, give me truth.” This quote from the book was interesting because instead of wanting what most people would love to receive, he’d just want that truth and I say I could relate to that. Thoreau also said, “What you get by achieving your goals is not as important as what you become by achieving your goals.” I would say this is true because you become something different after you have achieved your goal. When you’re trying to achieve your goal you’ll do anything to accomplish it.
Margaret Fuller was a journalist, critic, and women's rights advocate. She wrote a book titled “Her book Woman in the Nineteenth Century” and was one of her first feminist writing. Fuller said “Beware of over great pleasure in being popular or even beloved.” This is a very true statement. As you could be hurt in being overly attached. So I’d recommend being careful. Nah mean.
I would say I’ve learned more than I’ve known about transcendentalism because I had no idea what it was. I’d say I still don’t know full detail about it. I wouldn’t consider myself a transcendentalist. I’m not into getting super into things or questioning existence of stuff but I do agree with trying to make a change.