Comparing Emerson And Thoreau

Emerson and Thoreau are equally significant writers when it comes to transcendentalism. Both writers were part of the movement and genuinely believed that individualism is vital to having a successful and fulfilling life. In fact, Thoreau lived on Emerson’s property when he began constructing his popular book “Walden”. The two of them were close and shared the same theme that focused on nature and individualism. However, this is not the only thing that the two writers have in common. In Emerson’s “Nature” and in Thoreau’s “Walden” you can see that both writers personify the environment around them and use it to depict the same final concept: that nature is their teacher or mentor.
Emerson’s “Nature” is an essay with the basic theme that understanding nature is a key
component to living a prosperous life. Emerson writes about nature as if it is his wise teacher that fully comprehends the world he lives in “Nature says, — he is my creature, and maugre all his impertinent griefs, he shall be glad with me”. He believes nature creates an environment where all living things can survive without many outside resources and that man should do the same. Emerson did not believe that man needed certain luxuries that society would state were necessities for living and that the desire to have this luxuries taints man. It is believed that man should live with the least that they need and then they will be happy. When he writes “Nature never wears a mean appearance” it is meant to convey that unlike society, nature does not taint your mind to make you believe you need more than you do. Nature is accepting of you and is willing to take you in and let you understand it. Once you understand nature you will not want more (unlike living in a conformed society) man will not “lose his curiosity by finding out all her perfection.” and will be at peace with his comprehension of nature. By the end of his essay it is easy to comprehend that nature is the most vital aspect in the writing and that is shown through his use of personification.
Thoreau, similar to Emerson, also personifies nature in his book “Walden”.
“Nature is as well adapted to our weakness as to our strength.” explains that nature truly understands man and his shortcomings. However, nature does not turn down humans due to their flaws, it welcomes them with open arms as long as they choose to accept it. Thoreau hopes that man can become one with nature and learn from natures past actions. “let us first be as simple and well as Nature ourselves” In this quote nature is described to be a mentor in Thoreau’s eyes as well. It is believed that nature has a much better understanding of the world compared to the minds of mankind. That is why it’s mind is not clouded by the unnecessary desires similar to humans. This “mentality” is what makes Thoreau believe that nature is the perfect teacher.
Emerson and Thoreau shared similar opinions on the significance of nature. This is why the importance spirituality and nature are such prominent themes in both their works. In both “Walden” and “Nature” nature is their main guide who will assist man with fully understanding life. Once an individual understands nature and its significance he can begin to live a rewarding and fulfilling
life.