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Individualism in the Eyes of Thoreau and Emerson
Literary works and philosophical ideologies in the early 19th century is characteristically individualistic, where belief in humanity's natural freedom (that is, affinity with nature) was given importance. The ideology of individualism is evident in the works of Henry Thoreau and Ralph Waldo Emerson, 19th century philosophers and literary writers who composed the works Walden and Self-reliance, respectively. These works from both philosophers advocate the need for an individual to assert his/her identity in a society intolerant of differences and changes. In Walden, Thoreau narrates and documents his attempt in establishing a new life in the woods, primarily to deviate from the comforts that he and the society has learned to depend on. In his discourse, Thoreau states that, "many of the so-called comforts of life, are not only not indispensable, but positive hindrances to the elevation of mankind... To be a philosopher is not merely to have subtle thoughts, nor even to found a school, but so to love wisdom as to live according to its dictates, a life of simplicity, independence, magnanimity, and trust." In this assertion the author expresses how modern life has made humanity's existence inutile, met without any kind of challenges that make living exciting and more meaningful. Similarly, Emerson's subsistence to individualism as synonymous with self-reliance is reflected in his essay, aptly titled, Self-reliance. In this essay, Emerson contends, "... reliance on Property... is the want of self-reliance... They measure their esteem of each other by what each has, and not by what each is. But a cultivated man becomes ashamed of his property, ashamed of what he has, out of new respect for his being." This passage shows parallelism between Thoreau's and Emerson's beliefs -- that is, individualism necessitates deviating from the norms of society and asserting one's identity and natural right to live according to his/her preference and need.
In much the same way, environmentalists call forth this shared earth attitude to persuade against water pollution. They advocate against dumping water into oceans, lakes, and streams, suggesting that the corporations who do this do not own the bodies of water or the wildlife that calls the water home. In addition, modern environmentalists ask boat motorists to consider this attitude, as well as visitors to bodies of water who dispose
Civil Disobedience: Thoreau's research on civil disobedience puts it as the refusal by the citizens to obey laws or even pay taxes in a country. The end result of the disobedience is normally war, especially when the citizens want to take laws into their hands. The decision by citizens to take the law into their hands forces the government to act forcefully, which results in the war. However, when proper procedures
Walking" written by author Henry David Thoreau, the writer discusses the importance of living in nature and the beauty of an untouched world. Some critics have labeled Thoreau as one of the world's first environmentalists. He and the other members of the transcendentalist school were inspired by the wilderness and featured aspects of the natural world in their published works (Bagley 1). This is because the emphasis of much
Emerson and Thoreau Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803-1882) was an American lecturer and poet who led the Transcendentalist movement of the mid-19th century and was a proponent of individualism and critic of societal pressures. Henry David Thoreau (1817-1862) was also an American poet, but also an abolitionist, naturalist, tax resister, historian and part of the Transcendentalist movement. To understand both of these men and their ideas, it is first necessary to place
" Furthermore, it is noteworthy that many of the views espoused by Thoreau within his works of literature were regarded with as much condescension, and perhaps outright disdain, as he seemingly regarded those pursuing the gold rush in the preceding quotation. For instance, it is known that of the 1,000 original copies that the author published of Walden, he was only able to sell approximately a third of it. To a
Walden an Eden? Analysis of Thoreau's Walden Thoreau will be forever associated with the notion that a greatly simplified life that does not emphasize material possessions can be a source of spirituality and peace. In fact, this is a common view put forth by aesthetics and religions throughout the world. It is difficult to argue with Thoreau's perceptions: he did find a more peaceful life (for the time that he was