As one considers the works of Ralph Waldo Emerson, Henry David Thoreau, Walt Whitman, and Mahatma Gandhi, patterns of thought begin to emerge. While their works are diverse, each one, in its own way, returns to a common theme. Often stated overtly, otherwise implied, what they advocate is simple, at least in its most basic articulation: the sovereignty and total autonomy of the individual. For Emerson, Thoreau, Whitman, and Gandhi, everything revolves around the individual. Society and government are only valid so long as they recognize and respect the individual. Once a person comes to recognize their individuality, they are freed; empowered to live a life that is meaningful and unfettered by convention or expectation.
It is in Emerson’s …show more content…
In his essay, “Civil Disobedience”, Thoreau explores the plight of a thoughtful individual living under a government he disagrees with. In this case, that’s the American government, circa 1849. Thoreau’s solution to the problem is simple and radical. If a government displeases him, or he finds it to be unjust, he reserves the right to sever ties with that government. Why, Thoreau asks, should he, as an individual, be subject to the will of a majority if he wishes not to be? It is not the right of a government to make moral decisions for him. As he writes, “There will never be a really free and enlightened State until the State comes to recognize the individual as a higher and independent power, from which all its own power and authority are derived, and treats him accordingly” (Thoreau 297). Thoreau wants to make the world a better place. If he sees it necessary, he will rebel against systems of injustice – governments …show more content…
However, unlike Thoreau, who condemns America, its government in particular, Whitman celebrates it. This is a bit surprising, for Whitman, like Thoreau, is a strong proponent of individuality. However, perhaps Whitman overlooks what Thoreau decries, and Thoreau overlooks what Whitman celebrates, for Whitman’s celebration of America is, fundamentally, a celebration of individuality. (Part of it may be that Whitman focuses more on the American spirit and character than on American government and institution.) Whatever the particulars may be, Whitman’s case for America is patriotic and moving, idealistic without being sappy. What Whitman writes about America – and why he chose it as a subject in the first place – is its spirit of equality and of rugged individualism. Whitman argues that America exalts the individual, and encourages self sufficiency. In Whitman’s writing, America comes to symbolize freedom, individualism, and all the other ideals that both Whitman and Thoreau hold close to the
It is in Emerson’s …show more content…
In his essay, “Civil Disobedience”, Thoreau explores the plight of a thoughtful individual living under a government he disagrees with. In this case, that’s the American government, circa 1849. Thoreau’s solution to the problem is simple and radical. If a government displeases him, or he finds it to be unjust, he reserves the right to sever ties with that government. Why, Thoreau asks, should he, as an individual, be subject to the will of a majority if he wishes not to be? It is not the right of a government to make moral decisions for him. As he writes, “There will never be a really free and enlightened State until the State comes to recognize the individual as a higher and independent power, from which all its own power and authority are derived, and treats him accordingly” (Thoreau 297). Thoreau wants to make the world a better place. If he sees it necessary, he will rebel against systems of injustice – governments …show more content…
However, unlike Thoreau, who condemns America, its government in particular, Whitman celebrates it. This is a bit surprising, for Whitman, like Thoreau, is a strong proponent of individuality. However, perhaps Whitman overlooks what Thoreau decries, and Thoreau overlooks what Whitman celebrates, for Whitman’s celebration of America is, fundamentally, a celebration of individuality. (Part of it may be that Whitman focuses more on the American spirit and character than on American government and institution.) Whatever the particulars may be, Whitman’s case for America is patriotic and moving, idealistic without being sappy. What Whitman writes about America – and why he chose it as a subject in the first place – is its spirit of equality and of rugged individualism. Whitman argues that America exalts the individual, and encourages self sufficiency. In Whitman’s writing, America comes to symbolize freedom, individualism, and all the other ideals that both Whitman and Thoreau hold close to the