Development of Transcendentalism - 901 Words

Our country observes non-violent protest every day, whether it be through strikes, meetings, or marches. Many of these demonstrations have proved to be effective, and have gained respect over time. However, while philosophies of civil dispute and nonviolence may seem like a well-accepted idea today, many who fought for this type of negotiation were often considered radical for their introduction of it to society. Among those transcendentalists was Henry David Thoreau, who wrote â€Å"Civil Disobedience†, Mohandas Gandhi, who wrote â€Å"Satyagraha†, and Martin Luther King Jr., who wrote â€Å"Letters from Birmingham Jail†. Henry David Thoreau used the theory of transcendentalism in â€Å"Civil Disobedience.† These three transcendentalists influenced the†¦show more content†¦Thoreau expresses his frustration towards the law and by simply asking â€Å"Can there not be a government in which majorities do not virtually decide right and wrong, but con science† (Thoreau392)? Refusing to pay the tax is one of the ways he can show that this is something he does not approve. He simply states that â€Å"If a thousand men were not to pay their tax bills this year, that would not be a violent and bloody measure, as it would be to pay them, and enable the State to commit violence and shed innocent blood†(Thoreau 395). This belief in no violence is a big thing for transcendentalists. Reading an excerpt from Gandhi’s â€Å"Satyagraha† we find many similarities to the ideas found in Thoreau’s â€Å"Civil Disobedience†. One of these similarities would be how Gandhi is for the non-violence. Just like in â€Å"Civil Disobedience† Gandhi emphasizes on doing the right thing, and standing up for what you believe in. He states with full confidence, â€Å"Award us for it what punishment you like, we will put up with it. Send us to prison and we will live there as in a paradise† (Gandhi 401). He goes on and talks about all the terrible things they could do to them, but Gandhi stands his ground. He is willing to die for what’s right. Just like how Thoreau stood up to the law Gandhi did the same. He told them that â€Å"We will gladly die and will not so much as touch you. But so long as there is yet life in these our bones, we will never comply with your arbitrary laws† (Thoreau 401). BothShow MoreRelatedRomanticism Vs Transcendentalism795 Words   |  4 PagesWhat comes to your mind when hearing the word Transcendentalism? Politics in the Transcendental era were often disregarded, diverting one’s devotion to their own development. Transcendentalism can easily be compared to any other movement, some that may contrast, and some that may complement. Within the era of the growing movement, many arose to challenge the norms, bringing controversy with them. Transcendentalism, a theory that characterized by spiritual thinking, protected intuition from societalRead MoreEssay about The Important Role of Transcendentalism in American History779 Words   |  4 PagesThe Important Role of Transcendentalism in American History In 1830, a movement known as Transcendentalism began to gain popularity in America. Representing an idealistic system of thought, strength, courage, self-confidence, and independence of mind1 were some basic values admired by the followers of the Transcendental movement. Transcendentalists opposed many aspects of their government, where they felt many unjust laws existed.2 Therefore, they became the leaders of manyRead MoreTranscendentalism, An American Philosophy1640 Words   |  7 PagesAmerican philosophers during the early to mid-1800s embraced a new liberal movement known as transcendentalism that posed a silent threat to the current social and political institutions of the time period. 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Transcendentalists connected philosophy, literacy, and nature to promote a conscience or intuition that made it possible for each person to connect to the spiritual world. Philip F. Gura, Transcendentalism and Social Reform, History Now, accessed June 9, 2017Read MoreThe Influence Of Calvinist Ideas On The Early Nineteenth Century900 Words   |  4 Pageson promise, the idea that an individual can self determine his or her own salvation and Calvinism prohibits individual moral growth. A new movement arose, beginning as a new church reform, the transcendentalism movement encouraged imagination and feeling, something that was new to man. Transcendentalism gave a new perspective to a different way of life, with a focus on self for the nineteenth century. In the early nineteenth century a new movement emerged in America, this movement was howeverRead MoreTranscendentalism And Its Impact On Society1311 Words   |  6 Pagesmore into the world of Transcendentalism. He was a husband a father and a teacher who created a wave through America that still has rippling effects today. Much more came out of this movement including his effect that he had on his daughter who herself spread transcendental ideas through her writings. This man was Amos Bronson Alcott, and he was a reformer of society looking to abide by Transcendental beliefs. Alcott played one of the biggest roles in causing Transcendentalism to be still present todayRead MoreAmerican Renaissance Writers Essays1409 Words   |  6 Pagesmore common. This truth is evidenced through the writings of such great women as Harriott Beecher Stowe, Emily Dickenson, and Louise May Alcott. Culture, Politics, and Religion The Renaissance had a profound influence on the course of the development of modern American society, culture, and, since it is a natural extension of both, artistic expression. The Renaissance influence in America brought about a new focus on humanism and as a result, a subsequent turning away from the dominant idealsRead MoreTranscendentalism And The American Renaissance1693 Words   |  7 Pagesthe development of American literary traditions† (4). This created a diverse movement apart of the American Renaissance reform called, Transcendentalism. The Transcendentalism period which outlined majority of the Renaissance, was led by writer, Ralph Waldo Emerson. Transcendentalism is largely defined by the ideals of, religion, self reliance, civil disobedience, individualism, idealism, nonconformity, and nature. Emerson outlined the reform and countless parts of these Transcendentalism ideals