Emerson/transcendentalism
By: Kevin • Essay • 396 Words • November 27, 2009 • 947 Views
Essay title: Emerson/transcendentalism
Ignorant Significance
Transcendentalism is the philosophical ideas of Emerson and some other 19th-century
New Englanders; based on a search for reality through spiritual intuition, or knowledge
things without conscious reasoning. There are many questions asked that do not
really have an actual answer. Emerson was a doctrinaire in transcendentalism. He
targetes his messages toward the youth. He tought that every individual is basically
good, can make rational decisions, and is worty of respect. If these three steps
were followed the world would be more pleasant.
In the Self-Reliance Emerson said "I do not wish to expiate, but to live"
(Emerson). Emerson believes that the world only does what is good when they feel
they have done something wrong (as if some way to right their wrong). They become
charitiable when a stage is set and put on a show. He refuses to be what other people
want him to be, and encourages others to follow him. Basically, people do not do
deeds without there being some type of reward or personal pleasure in return, no
matter how small or big it is.
"You will always find those who think they know what is your duty better than
you know it" (Emerson). Emerson found it that every one is capable of making
their own decisions. No one should be try to force another to do anything they
do not want to do themself. People who make their own decisions