Transcendentalism was a literary movement occurring in New England around 1836 based on the philosophies of optimism, individuality, intuition, and idealism. The doctrine is defined primarily by the writings of Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau and was inspired by European philosophers and eastern religions. Emerson demonstrates significant transcendental philosophies, “What I must do is all that concerns me, not what the people think” (Field, 184). Emerson explains his ideas concerning individuality and self-reliance as it relates to transcendental thought. Another revolutionary writer contributing to this movement is Thoreau, who displays ideas similar to those of Emerson, “I was not born to be forced. I will breathe after my own fashion” (Field, 214). Transcendentalism focuses on the idea that people must exceed the limits of society, challenge traditional teachings, become one with nature, and collect knowledge based entirely on experience. Thoreau put these ideas into practice, “I wanted to live deep and suck all of the marrow out of life” (Field, 204). Thoreau depicts his desire to live by the transcendental ideal of optimism and exceeded the limits placed on him. He then summarizes his transcendental ideas in his writing, “I learned . . . that if one advances confidently in the direction of his dreams, and endeavors to live the life which he has imagined, he will meet with a success unexpected in common hours” (Field, 208). In summary, transcendentalism focuses on the possibilities of the world and one’s efforts exceed the limits placed on him.
Works Cited
Field, Nancy. Glencoe Literature American Literature: The Reader's Choice. Place of Publication Not Identified: Glencoe Mcgraw-Hill School, 2003. Print.
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