Transcendentalist Implements In The Modern World

In the wake of the Civil War, the importance of self-reliance and the expression of individuality became virulent through the opposition of the modern world. Marked with mass-producing factories, corrupt government and laws, and other radical institutions, the nineteenth century gave birth to a new age and a new belief that opposed these advancements, transcendentalism. Instead, this philosophical movement encourages the spiritual and intuitive outlook on the simple world. From the depths and issues of everyday society of about 200 years ago, this belief is still relevant in everyday life as the world continues to rapidly evolve socially, politically, and culturally. With this constant growth and change taking place, transcendentalist
Over the years, the planet’s luscious greenery, vast bodies of ocean, and clear blue skies have declined at a steady rate with the overtake of industrial buildings and pollution from technology . For the explorers and hard-core transcendentalists who devote themselves to living on the healthy and undeveloped parts of the world, nature and “the life and simple beauty of it is too good to pass up.” (McCandless 12/7/16) If technological advancements continue to occupy most of Earth, this appreciative view of the planet will no longer be attractive to those whose lives depend and thrive upon its bare soil. To some Transcendentalist preachers, like Henry David Thoreau, nature is also perceived as “daily to be shown matter to come in contact with,” giving people a chance to ask “Who are we? Where are we?” (Thoreau 12/7/16). With these questions, Thoreau highlighted the importance of often being acquainted with nature, indicating that it provides a sense of self-identity. Today, many people go on walks, hikes, or go rock climbing to contemplate their lives or to associate themselves with their surroundings. However, with the planet’s transformation, how will it be possible for future generations to feel the same spiritual and physical connection? Just like transcendentalists, modern society is beginning to see the importance of nature’s
The fear that society will not condone differences is instilled in people’s minds from a young age. Though school becomes a place full of peer pressure which drives children to exhibit similar characteristics with one another, it teaches the value of individuality. High school is an ideal stage for teenagers “in the midst of the crowd” to “keep with perfect sweetness the independence of solitude”(Emerson 12/7/16). Highlighting transcendentalist attitudes, high school encourages individuals to be independent and freely express their true colors. In this way, transcendentalism is valuable to individuals who aspire to be who they want to be despite the attitudes and characteristics of the majority. Non-conformity also encourages a life of solitude and away from “the impending threat of human intimacy, of friendship, and all the messy emotional baggage that comes with it.” (McCandless 55) In other words, it is occasionally beneficial to have some time alone to deeply contemplate and develop individual insights of society and oneself. However, too much time alone and away from the crowd can cause a person to become unsocial and incapable of developing relationships with others. As a result, the importance of non-conformity parallels with the tenet of being independent and absent from the nonessential aspects of daily