Like transcendentalism, Emerson’s religious beliefs were hazy. In chapter VII of Nature, titled “Spirit,” Emerson states that he believes “[t]he happiest man is he who learns from nature the lesson of worship,” Emerson is seeking a spiritual connection with God through nature, feeling his impact through the surroundings around him as opposed to the standard technique of prayer. The way Emerson practices spirituality is the ultimate individualistic religious experience. There are no guidelines, no strict rules, and no lofty requirements to make yourself worthy of God’s presence. You are free to appreciate God in whichever way you imagine. This
differs from Paine, who was a deist. Paine believed in a God, but held the position that God had to …show more content…
Emerson was a major proponent of finding one’s self, on your own, with no one else’s help. As detailed in Self-Reliance, Emerson questions the manhood of conformists, stating “[w]hoso would be a man must be a nonconformist.” and encourages others to "[t]rust thyself.” (1747 & 1748) One could make a parallel with Paine since Paine had to overcome every obstacle in his life by himself. Paine also stayed true to his own beliefs, detailing his controversial religious beliefs in Age of Reason. While Paine might not have lived the lifestyle that Emerson did, his actions and belief served as a great building block for transcendentalism.
Henry Davis Thoreau was a student of Emerson and transcendentalist leader. Inspired by Emerson, who lived in his hometown, Thoreau began exploring wild life. (Glick 1860) His connection to Emerson would forever be cemented once Emerson loaned his cabin on Walden Pond to Thoreau. It was from there in which he wrote what is considered to be his greatest work, …show more content…
Much like Paine, Thoreau would not be bullied into violating what he believed to be right. Thoreau was also vehemently against slavery, something else he wrote about in Civil Disobedience. “There are thousands who are in opinion opposed to slavery and to the war, who yet in effect do nothing to put an end to them.” (1865) This could also be seen as a critique of society. Emerson goes on to say that these people “[esteem] themselves children of Washington and Franklin, sit down with their hands in their pockets, and say that they know not what to do, and do nothing.” (1865) Thoreau did not write about religion in the same way Emerson and Paine did, which makes sense because Thoreau was simply a follower of Emerson’s transcendentalism, not a contributing founder. That being said, Thoreau took great pleasure in nature and reaped the benefits of it spiritually.
At first glance, a link between one of America’s founding fathers and two poets seems farfetched, but the transcendentalist movement has more in common in Paine than I ever thought possible. Despite a strong stance on environmentalism, Emerson and Thoreau have classic conservative beliefs such as a desire for a small government. Both loved their country
differs from Paine, who was a deist. Paine believed in a God, but held the position that God had to …show more content…
Emerson was a major proponent of finding one’s self, on your own, with no one else’s help. As detailed in Self-Reliance, Emerson questions the manhood of conformists, stating “[w]hoso would be a man must be a nonconformist.” and encourages others to "[t]rust thyself.” (1747 & 1748) One could make a parallel with Paine since Paine had to overcome every obstacle in his life by himself. Paine also stayed true to his own beliefs, detailing his controversial religious beliefs in Age of Reason. While Paine might not have lived the lifestyle that Emerson did, his actions and belief served as a great building block for transcendentalism.
Henry Davis Thoreau was a student of Emerson and transcendentalist leader. Inspired by Emerson, who lived in his hometown, Thoreau began exploring wild life. (Glick 1860) His connection to Emerson would forever be cemented once Emerson loaned his cabin on Walden Pond to Thoreau. It was from there in which he wrote what is considered to be his greatest work, …show more content…
Much like Paine, Thoreau would not be bullied into violating what he believed to be right. Thoreau was also vehemently against slavery, something else he wrote about in Civil Disobedience. “There are thousands who are in opinion opposed to slavery and to the war, who yet in effect do nothing to put an end to them.” (1865) This could also be seen as a critique of society. Emerson goes on to say that these people “[esteem] themselves children of Washington and Franklin, sit down with their hands in their pockets, and say that they know not what to do, and do nothing.” (1865) Thoreau did not write about religion in the same way Emerson and Paine did, which makes sense because Thoreau was simply a follower of Emerson’s transcendentalism, not a contributing founder. That being said, Thoreau took great pleasure in nature and reaped the benefits of it spiritually.
At first glance, a link between one of America’s founding fathers and two poets seems farfetched, but the transcendentalist movement has more in common in Paine than I ever thought possible. Despite a strong stance on environmentalism, Emerson and Thoreau have classic conservative beliefs such as a desire for a small government. Both loved their country