Transcendentalism
Transcendentalism was a philosophical, spiritual, and literary movement that originated in the mid-19th century in New England. It emphasized intuition and individual experience over established religious doctrine and social norms. Transcendentalists believed that nature was a divine manifestation and that individuals could achieve a direct connection with the divine through self-reliance and introspection.
Transcendentalists believed that human beings are born good and naturally liable towards truth and beauty. The Transcendentalist valued intuition and individual experience over established religious belief and social norms. Transcendentalists saw nature as a divine manifestation and believed that one could achieve a direct connection with the divine through experience in nature. They emphasized the importance of self-reliance and individual thought and action. Transcendentalism had a profound influence on American literature, art, and social thought. Some of the most famous Transcendentalists include Ralph Waldo Emerson, Henry David Thoreau, Margaret Fuller, and Frederick Douglass.
Transcendentalists talk about the idividual's relation with nature. What is nature for you? Share your views.
In an increasingly urbanized world, Transcendentalism appreciation for nature is a reminder of the importance of spending time outdoors and connecting with the natural world. In a world influenced by logic and reason, Transcendentalism emphasis on valuable reminder of the importance of listening to our inner voice.
Nature for me is something that in which an individual can be in the way he/she wants to. Transcendentalism gives freedom of thinking, it inherets the goodness of human nature which connects an individual with divine soul. It gives societal and institutional limitation to look with the particular viewpoint. It relay on the deeper truths of intuition and individual experience, instead of solely relying on logic and analysis. Communication with nature will give you the direct connection with the universe. Self-relience and individual growth is highly valued. It encourages independent thinking and the pursuit of one's authentic self. Nature over here can be seen as the divine source of spiritual insight and inspiration, spending time with nature and appreciating its beauty is key to connect the transcendental spirit. It emphasize on exploring new ideas, personal reflection and living authentically. Through this process of thinking there were many social reforms. Ideas of self-reliance and social justice influenced various reform movements, including women's rights.
Transcendentalism, for me, is more than just a historical movement. It's a set of ideas that encourage us to look within, connect with nature, and struggle for a more authentic and meaningful existence. It's a vibrant reminder that the deepest truths lie not just in external structures, but also within our own hearts and minds.
Transcendentalism is an American philosophy that influenced American literature at length. Can you find any Indian/Regional litreature or philosophy that come up with such similar thoughts?
Similarities between Henry David Thoreau's "Walden" and traditional Chinese culture, particularly drawing parallels with Confucianism and Taoism:
The argument suggests that Thoreau's work exhibits both Confucian( an ancient Chinese belief system which focuses on the importance of personal ethics and morality) form and Taoist(an ancient Chinese philosophy and religion that instructs believers in how to exist in harmony with the universe) spirit, despite critics denying any direct influence of Taoism on Thoreau.
The author cites Lin Yutang's assertion that Thoreau is the "most Chinese of all American authors," resembling Chuangtse( Chinese philosopher) in ruggedness and individualistic impatience. The comparison extends to Theodore Dreiser's mention of Thoreau resembling Buddha, Jesus, and Laotse.
However, critics like Lyman V. Cady argue against the influence of Taoism on Thoreau, stating that he made no direct or indirect references to Taoist literature. Cady attributes this lack of influence to the lag in translations of Taoist texts into Western languages during Thoreau's time.
Then counters Cady's arguments, suggesting that there were indeed sources of Taoist literature available to Thoreau. It is mentioned by the French sinologist J.P.A. Rèmusat (was a french sinologist best known as the college de France) whose works were known for the unity, and Emerson found promising definitions for nature in his writings. Thoreau also copied quotations from the Chinese novel "Iu-kiao-li." Additionally, G. Pauthier's French translations of Taoist literature are presented as potential sources for Thoreau's exposure to Taoist ideas.
The author concludes by referencing a catalog of books auctioned in 1924, which includes a manuscript note book of Thoreau containing translations from the French, specifically from Pauthier's "Confucius et Mencius." This discovery suggests that Thoreau did have access to Pauthier's works, supporting the argument that Taoist literature was available to him.
In summary, the passage navigates the debate over whether Thoreau's "Walden" was influenced by Taoist ideas. Later it presents arguments for and against this influence, highlighting potential sources of Taoist literature available to Thoreau, ultimately suggesting that the similarities between Thoreau's ideas and Taoism are too striking to be mere coincidences. ( Reference)
Write in short about the understand of the following essay to the topic given: Margaret Fuller's " The Great Lawsuit ".
Margaret Fuller is centering on the author's notion that a woman should not be defined simply through her relationship with a man. Instead, a woman should seek her life's purpose individually through her own journey before ever seeking communion in any relationship with a man. Fuller's essay seeks equality for all humankind, women and slaves alike. She claims that men and women should have the same rights to property and the right to vote. She does recognize that some men are willing to acknowledge the equality that should exist between the sexes and races.
However, there are still many more men in the 1840s who fear that if women are given the right to speak out for themselves, they may not actually want the things that men say that they want. Still, Margaret Fuller, within the lines of her essay, The Great Lawsuit, states that women must be able to decide what they want, state it openly, and have the freedom to pursue it, just like men.
This renewed process of equality will not be an easy transition. Fuller recognizes that from birth there must be changes in the treatment of women. No longer should a woman's greatest achievement be to simply find a man who will protect her and provide for her. A woman should attain that protection and provision for herself. When a woman has looked within to find what is needed and no longer depends on a masculine presence, only then should a priority be placed on union with another. The self-reliance that Margaret Fuller stresses for women is her strongest connection to the transcendentalist movement.
Conclusion:
In the blend of human thought, Transcendentalism threads a narrative that celebrates the intrinsic goodness within individuals and nature. Its call to embrace self-reliance, trust in intuition, and mould a spiritual connection endures as a timeless melody, inviting each soul to dance to its rhythm and weave their own vibrant story within the cosmic fabric of existence. The above given are some of the questions which will be helpful for understanding the topic clearly.
Reference:
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