Post II: Emerson

Transcendental philosophy has strong connections with individualism, the concept of being independent and unique based on one’s personality. Ralph Waldo Emerson highlights individualism in transcendental thought, “There is a time on every man’s education when he arrives at the conviction that envy is ignorance; that imitation is suicide” (Field, 183). In this quote, Emerson depicts the dangers of denying one's individuality in society. He compares it to suicide, thus implying conformity is self-inflicted and deadly. Emerson, thus strongly promotes individuality as a component of transcendental literature.

Optimism is heavily represented in the transcendental era of literature to convey a feeling of gratitude and enjoyment of the natural world. When describing the stars, Emerson writes, “How great they are! . . . every night come out there envoys of beauty, and light the universe with their astonishing smile” (Field, 180). This excerpt from Emerson’s writing shows a great enthusiasm for the stars, as he tries to instill a similar feeling of appreciation for natural wonders on those who take them for granted. By promoting a feeling of appreciation, Emerson spreads the transcendental ideal of optimism to his readers.

Emerson uses his writing to portray his transcendental philosophies of self-reliance, and he, therefore, focuses on the importance of independence and the dangers of dependence on others. Emerson advises readers, “Trust thyself: every heart vibrates the that iron string. Accept the place the divine Providence has found for you” (Field, 184). In this writing, Emerson tells of the importance of trust in one’s self and in the divine power of God, as it is the key to a pure self-reliance without the aid of others, who ultimately obstruct individuality.

In his writings, Emerson conveys the importance of a focus on one’s intuition, an immediate knowledge based on personal instinct, as a means to reach individuality and purity in an impure society. Emerson explains, “A man should learn to detect and watch that gleam of light which flashes across his mind from within, more than the luster of the firmament of bards and sages. Yet he dismisses without notice his thought because it is his” (Field, 183). Emerson explains the common problem in society that people are learning to suppress their intuitive thought because it is not accepted. Emerson’s revolutionary ideas to contradict this belief fall into the nonconformist philosophies of transcendentalism.

Works Cited

Field, Nancy. Glencoe Literature American Literature: The Reader's Choice. Place of Publication Not Identified: Glencoe Mcgraw-Hill School, 2003. Print.