Transcendentalists believe that society and its main institutions corrupt the purity of an individual. They believe that people are inherently good, and can succeed with proper motivation and individual thought. The following quote best reflects the idea of transcendentalism: "I learned this, at least, by my experiment: that if one advances confidently in the direction of his dreams, and endeavors to live the life which he had imagined, he will meet with a success unexpected in common hours." - Henry David Thoreau
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"The only way to have a friend is to be one." - Ralph Waldo Emerson
This quotation reflects a key idea of Transcendentalism, emphasizing the interconnectedness of all beings and the importance of personal relationships based on mutual respect and understanding.
An example of transcendentalism in "Nature" by Emerson is the idea that nature serves as a portal to divine truth and personal insight. Emerson believes that by immersing oneself in nature, one can connect to a higher spiritual power and gain a deeper understanding of the world and oneself. This concept reflects the transcendentalist belief in the inherent goodness of both nature and the individual soul.
Ralph Waldo Emerson
No, the arguments presented in the quotations are based on specific principles or values but are not necessarily moralistic or overly abstract. They are concise statements that convey a particular perspective or idea.
Transcendentalism emphasizes individualism, intuition, and the belief in the inherent goodness of human nature. It also promotes a connection to nature as a source of spiritual insight and wisdom. Additionally, it values nonconformity and the idea of self-reliance.
Transcendentalism is a 19th-century philosophical and literary movement in the United States that emphasized individual intuition and the inherent goodness of people and nature. Key beliefs include the idea of an oversoul connecting all living things, the importance of self-reliance, and the rejection of societal norms in favor of following one's own intuition. Prominent figures associated with transcendentalism include Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau.