Comparing Thoreau And Ralph Waldo Emerson

“Live in the sunshine, swim in the Sea, drink the wild air”. This quote by Emerson embodied many traits of transcendentalism. In this ideology that emerged in New England around 1836, it focused greatly on the individual and concepts emphasizing the goodness of nature. Both Thoreau and Emerson were notable figures of this belief, that advocated for individuals to escape the corruption of society and embrace the self. Through this major belief, it helped many people around the world to remember what it's like to feel alive. With this major dogma transcendentalist wanted a better society that would allow the individual to grow spiritually and independently from outside influences. In today’s world, Emerson and others would be saddened about many
There is something which you can do better than another. Listen to the inward voice and bravely obey it”(Emerson 225). These ideas are also embodied in Thoreau's work when he states, “must the citizen ever for a moment, or in the least degree, resign his conscience … we should be men first, and subjects afterward”( Thoreau 250). Both Emerson and Thoreau stress the importance of individualism being more important than society. Emerson is calling for free self expression and to follow your own compass, similar to Thoreau, who is advocating for mankind to be only obligated to his own will. With these ideas in mind a transcendentalist school would reflect this by having no rules or regulations. In this environment, people are allowed to be completely free and roam boundaries that society does not permit. As long as students are conducting themselves in a safe manner that does not obstruct another's individuality freedom of will is allowed. These ideas embody the tenets of transcendentalism with man’s only obligation being to himself. Another component of the school that would share the emphasis on individuality would be seen in