Emerson And Henry David Thoreau: The Father Of Transcendentalism

Transcendentalism was an idealistic movement about the exploration of nature and spirituality, as well as self-reflection and the questioning of one’s morals. It took place in 1830’s England and was more than a literary genre, but also a philosophy. It was a lifestyle that Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau lived and promoted. These two men were considered the Fathers of Transcendentalism, and each wrote several essays and stories based around this mindset in hopes of acquiring more followers for the social movement. The two men had different focus through their studies though, Thoreau more concerned on government and its influence on man. He was very intrigued by the transcendentalist aspect that man is innately good and society corrupts him. This interest is prevalent in a quote from one of his most famous writings, Civil Disobedience; “I think that we should be men first, and subjects afterward. It is not desirable to cultivate a respect for the law, so much as for the right. The only obligation which I have a right to assume is to do at any time what I think right” (Thoreau, “Civil Disobedience”). Emerson however was more interested in personal development of the mind and humankind developing awareness. This idea is noticeable in his essay
The difference between the two however is very abundant, as shown with the analysis above. Also though, Thoreau was more focused on the government versus individual whereas Emerson was concerned about an individual and society in general, less about rebellion. Thoreau though the way to implement Transcendentalism in society is through governmental improvement, and Emerson believed it was through personal advancement. This is the fundamental difference between the two