Book of Concord

In the excerpt from the second chapter of Walden titled “Where I Lived and What I Lived For,” Thoreau crafts an intricate argument which advocates for self-realization within every individual. A specific line stood out to me which stated, "The beauty of nature reforms itself in the mind, and not for barren contemplation, but for new creation." Through this quote, the gears in my head started rolling again as they had laid in slumber for a rather long a period time. In my short time here on earth…

“Obviously we can’t all run away to the woods like Thoreau and live the life of a hermit but we can try to find our own special Walden, wherever that may be, and commit to doing our very best. We must never forget that Walden is not just a geographical point somewhere in the New England landscape but a state of mind, an attitude of simple living that can be transported anywhere, anytime, if we so decide.”(Lewin, Michael) Michael Lewin stated the unquestionable fact that while life is forever…

Aschenbach 1 Avery Aschenbach Mr. Thompson English 11 12 November 2014 Analysis of Transcendental Writers Thoughts On Rebelling Against Societal Conformity Henry David Thoreau and others who rebel against the norm of societal conformity must accept the consequences that entail. During the Transcendentalist era of writing, writers such as Henry David Thoreau, Walt Whitman, and Ralph Waldo Emerson wrote about demonstrating how an individual must rebel against societal conformity in…

The authors Emerson, Thoreau, Krakauer, and Donovan share many ideas and themes in their writing. Emerson and Thoreau are the founders of transcendentalism. Krakauer and Donovan have their own works that relate to the tenets of transcendentalism. The works of these authors share the ideas of individuality and self-reliance. The following paragraphs will explain the works of these authors and how they relate to individuality and self-reliance. Emerson and Thoreau are stark followers of…

He was well educated and a graduate from Harvard University (McMichael and Leonard, 545). Emerson ended up leaving his original path of being a minister because he had some doubt regarding teachings of the Church. He eventually ended up moving to Concord, Massachusetts where he joined a transcendentalist club. This club helped him discuss his thoughts on philosophy and literature. Emerson focused his writings on his belief that "universal truths could not be reached by reason alone" (McMichael…

As Henry David Thoreau, a famous figure in transcendentalism, said, “Live your beliefs and you can turn the world around.” Transcendentalism is a philosophical movement which targets human relations and decisions in order to lead to a simple and more enjoyable life. The key principles of transcendentalism are nonconformity, self-reliance, free thought, confidence, and importance of nature. Transcendentalism and its principles have had a large influence on society and is very significant to the…

leave behind all personal problems to embark on a wildness journey. The lack of issues plaguing the individual means the individual can dwell on the wildness. The self-examination and experience brings us closer to the wildness. Bugbee, records in his book The Inward Morning, an experience of wildness when he witnessed a man almost drown. The man is swept down a river and only saved by the lucky chance that he passes underneath some low hanging branches. Upon reaching land and safety the man has…

Throughout Henry David Thoreau’s “Where I Lived, and What I Lived For,” Thoreau uses an extended metaphor to critique society, and express his philosophy of how and why people should live. When he says, “We do not ride on the railroad; it rides upon us. Did you ever think what those sleepers are that underlie the railroad? Each one is a man, an Irishman, or a Yankee man. The rails are laid on them, and they are covered with sand, and the cars run smoothly over them. They are sound sleepers, I…

Argumentative Essay: Thoreau’s Walden MLA Thoreau's argument about the truth of transcendental ideals is made credible through his use of emotional appeals, his support, and his language. Thoreau makes clear and concise points in his word choice and use of syntax that lead to the analysis of his own transcendental ideas. He does this by explaining his well-supported findings and conveying his personal experiences; with transcendentalism he portrays a convincing and inspiring point of view and…

Ralph Emerson was a principal figure in the Transcendentalist movement of the 1840s, in addition to, he was also a well-known essayist and poet. His 1841 essay, “Self-Reliance”, emphasizes the importance of people acquiring their identity along with being true to themselves. Throughout his essay, Emerson strains the significance of individuals avoiding conformity and following their own thoughts and judgments. Emerson obtains his goal of conveying his message by generating multifarious…