Tuesday, December 17, 2013

Post I: Transcendentalism Overview

What is Transcendentalism?
Transcendentalism is demonstrated in Nature when Emerson says, "To go into solitude, a man needs to retire as much from his chamber as from society." meaning to escape the influences of others, we must drift away from the familiar structures in life. You not only need to leave society behind, but also all your activities. If you want to know true solitude, get out and experience nature.

Transcendentalism is also demonstrated in Nature when Emerson says, "The horizon is a mans own view, how far he sees is his own choice" This is an example of optimism because he is looking at life in general in a positive way. To go far in life, you must be positive or see as far as you can. This is also an example of individualism because Emerson is showing how everyone sees things differently. He is showing his point of view on life and how he is an individual with different thoughts on life. This is an example of self reliance because he is thinking for himself and thinking in his own way.

In Nature, transcendentalism is demonstrated when Emerson says, "I become a transparent eyeball; I am nothing; I see all; The currents of the Universal Being circulates through me; I am part or parcel of God" This is an example of individualism and optimism because Emerson becomes so independent and modest that he just sees things and exists as an instrument of sight. Even though he sees all, he is nothing. He does not want to bring attention to himself so he does not add his opinion on the view.





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