How is Society Today out of Touch with Transcendental Beliefs?
Ralph Waldo Emerson’s transcendental statement “For nonconformity the world whips with displeasure” (Emerson, page 372) remains true in modern times. Today’s society is out of touch with transcendental beliefs in almost every way possible. Modern day minds are focused on conforming to fit society’s standards, which opposes the free spirited nature of transcendental beliefs. Society today is out of touch with Transcendental views which is seen through social media platforms, the conformity surrounding beauty standards, and the value placed on material items. To begin, modern society is centralized around the idea of conforming to a perfect image via social media platforms. Each …show more content…
Today’s society prioritizes maintaining a perfect appearance over maintaining a quality inner self. Keeping up with specific beauty standards has taken over the minds of the modern world. Emerson expresses his attitude concerning the opinion of others in “Self Reliance”, “What I must do is all that concerns me, not what the people think” (Emerson, 372). Here Emerson points to the Transcendental idea that opinions of outside influences are irrelevant. It should not matter what other’s think, as long as each individual is happy with themselves. Transcendental beliefs are centered around being true to oneself; one’s true interests should be valued over conforming to the standards of society. Lastly, the values held by modern society greatly oppose transcendental values. Factors such as popularity and wealth are often valued above anything else in today’s society. In Civil Disobedience Emerson exemplifies the transcendental idea that everyone should follow their own beliefs, “I was not born to be forced. I will breathe after my own fashion” (Emerson, page 396). It is important that each individual determines their own values, and the pressure to conform to society’s values interrupts that self
Ralph Waldo Emerson’s transcendental statement “For nonconformity the world whips with displeasure” (Emerson, page 372) remains true in modern times. Today’s society is out of touch with transcendental beliefs in almost every way possible. Modern day minds are focused on conforming to fit society’s standards, which opposes the free spirited nature of transcendental beliefs. Society today is out of touch with Transcendental views which is seen through social media platforms, the conformity surrounding beauty standards, and the value placed on material items. To begin, modern society is centralized around the idea of conforming to a perfect image via social media platforms. Each …show more content…
Today’s society prioritizes maintaining a perfect appearance over maintaining a quality inner self. Keeping up with specific beauty standards has taken over the minds of the modern world. Emerson expresses his attitude concerning the opinion of others in “Self Reliance”, “What I must do is all that concerns me, not what the people think” (Emerson, 372). Here Emerson points to the Transcendental idea that opinions of outside influences are irrelevant. It should not matter what other’s think, as long as each individual is happy with themselves. Transcendental beliefs are centered around being true to oneself; one’s true interests should be valued over conforming to the standards of society. Lastly, the values held by modern society greatly oppose transcendental values. Factors such as popularity and wealth are often valued above anything else in today’s society. In Civil Disobedience Emerson exemplifies the transcendental idea that everyone should follow their own beliefs, “I was not born to be forced. I will breathe after my own fashion” (Emerson, page 396). It is important that each individual determines their own values, and the pressure to conform to society’s values interrupts that self