Post V: Contemporary Example of Transcendentalism

From 1985 to 1995, a comic strip, Calvin and Hobbes by Bill Watterson, became popular across The United States. The fictional comics followed the adventures and documented the unique thoughts of an imaginative young boy named Calvin and his stuffed tiger, Hobbes. Calvin and Hobbes presents a modern example of transcendentalism because the comics depict underlying themes of transcendental philosophies such as individuality, intuition, optimism, and a clear appreciation for nature.

In this comic, Calvin describes his reasoning for making a generic snowman, explaining that society has made it easier for him to conform to its standards. This contrasts the ideas of transcendentalism that individuality is important. However, in this strip, Watterson is trying to convey the opposite point, that conformity is dangerous, and thus this strip advocates for individuality. Ralph Waldo Emerson, Henry David Thoreau, and other transcendental authors have similar ideas about individuality. Emerson writes, “We but half express ourselves, and we are ashamed of that divine idea which each of us represents” (Field, 184). In this strip, Calvin is "half expressing himself," and, therefore, the comic provides a similar warning, about the dangers of conformity, to Emerson’s writing.

Calvin and Hobbes also draws attention to the importance of intuition, like many transcendental authors. In this strip, Calvin explains the dangers of excessive knowledge, as it can easily get in the way of one’s intuition. Similarly, Thoreau writes, “Our life is frittered away by detail. An honest man has hardly need to count more than his ten fingers, or in extreme cases he may add his ten toes, and lump the rest. Simplicity, simplicity, simplicity” (Field, 204). Calvin believes that he already knows how to take action, and he fears that details will obstruct his vision with complexities. Thoreau, furthermore, fears that these complexities will cause his life to be “frittered away by detail.” Overall, the two have similar ideas about the value of intuition and the dangers of complexity in human lives.

Calvin and Hobbes comics often use a sense of optimism to portray youth and draw connections to transcendental philosophies. In this strip, Calvin shows optimism, because he sees treasure in what others would consider junk. To demonstrate a similar perspective, Emerson writes, “All natural objects make a kindred impression when the mind is open to their influence” (Field, 180). In other words, all objects are open to interpretation, and optimism causes a positive outlook on these objects. Calvin has an optimistic perspective on his “treasures,” and therefore, by Emerson and Calvin’s standards, the objects become treasure.

Finally, a major theme in transcendental writings is a great appreciation for the natural world. Calvin and Hobbes comics show a deep love for the outdoors. In this strip, Calvin describes the beauty of the stars and establishes the implication that there is more out there than his own life. This observation is wiser than Calvin’s years, and it implies that the natural world holds more importance than human existence. Emerson makes similar observations, “If the stars should appear one night in a thousand years, how would men believe and adore; and preserve for many generations the remembrance of a city of God which had been shown!” (Field, 180). Both Calvin and Emerson see the underappreciated beauty and importance of the stars among human civilization. This similar attitude carries into other aspects of nature, as Calvin has a similar appreciation for the natural world as many transcendentalists.
Calvin and Hobbes represents transcendental philosophy in a modern setting by promoting the transcendental ideas of individuality, intuition, optimism, and an appreciation of nature. Bill Watterson uses a youthful character to show the youthful and simplistic qualities that many American are missing in their lives, and he draws attention back to transcendentalist ideas. In summary, Calvin and Hobbes represents transcendentalist ideas in modern society.

Works Cited

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