Transcendentalism Reaction

My Reaction to Transcendentalism After reading the Transcendentalist works of Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau, I was surprised at my reaction to them. From what I had originally heard, the Transcendentalist works were boring essays. However, after reading them, I discovered that I can relate to many things that Emerson and Thoreau discuss in their papers. Though I liked Emerson more than I liked Thoreau, both of them impressed me with their ability to take such a strong stand on issues that most people can identify with. One Transcendentalist piece that we read was "Nature" by Ralph Waldo Emerson. This excerpt describes Emerson's views on nature and how it affects man. He says that in nature, man becomes like a child and is able to enjoy a "perfect exhilaration." When he experiences the calm and peacefulness of nature, Emerson feels as though he has returned to reason and faith and has found his true self. He then goes on to describe how he becomes a "transparent eyeball," seeing all but not being seen himself; it is as if he is invisible. After reading this, I
In this essay, Thoreau lashes out against the American government in response to the Mexican War, which is being fought at that time. He discusses the corruption that the government can undergo, and how it is in fact hindering the people instead of helping them achieve their goals. He asks for a better government which will work for the benefit of the people rather than its own benefit. Thoreau also claims that, in the future, a government may not even be necessary at all, for the people are strong enough to run themselves. I agree with certain parts of Thoreau's ideas, but not all of them. My initial reaction to "Civil Disobedience" was one of anger for Thoreau's traitorous remarks. However, I have to admit that governments are at many times corrupt and work for themselves rather than for the