Transcendentalism
❏ About Transcendentalism
❏ The philosophy of Transcendentalism
The philosophy of transcendentalism originated in Unitarianism, the predominant religious movement in Boston in the early 19th century. Unitarianism was a liberal Christian sect that emphasized rationality, reason, and intellectualism; it was especially popular at Harvard. The transcendentalists who established the Transcendental Club in Cambridge, Massachusetts in 1836 mostly Unitarian clergy and Boston-area intellectuals did not reject Unitarianism but yearned for a more spiritual experience to balance out the emphasis on pure reason. The very word transcendentalism refers to a spirituality that transcends the realm of rationality and the material world. Transcendentalists believed that humans were fundamentally good but corrupted by society and that they should therefore strive for independence and self-reliance.
Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau were two of the most famous transcendentalists. In 1845, Thoreau moved to a cabin that he built on Walden Pond in Massachusetts and lived there for two years, two months, and two days. He chronicled the experience in his book Walden, published in 1854, which explored the themes of nature, spirituality, self-reliance, and the simple life. Thoreau acknowledged the debt transcendentalism owed to Indian religious beliefs by paying homage to the Bhagavad Gita, a Sanskrit epic that is one of the foundational texts of Hinduism: “In the morning I bathe my intellect in the stupendous and cosmogonic philosophy of the Bhagvat Geeta, since whose composition years of the gods have elapsed, and in comparison, with which our modern world and its literature seem puny and trivial.”
❏ Thinking Task:-
Transcendentalists believed that nature was a source of spiritual insight and that it was essential for individuals to connect with nature in order to achieve a deeper understanding of themselves and the world around them. I agree with this view and believe that nature has the power to heal, transform, and enlighten us. By immersing ourselves in nature, we can gain a new perspective on life, and we can learn to appreciate the simple things in life that are often overlooked.
Nature is also a reminder of our interconnectedness with the world around us. We are not separate from nature; we are a part of it. Our actions have an impact on the environment, and it is our responsibility to protect and preserve the natural world for future generations.
In conclusion, nature is a multifaceted concept that has different meanings for different people. For me, nature is a source of inspiration, wonder, and awe, and it is a reminder of our interconnectedness with the world around us. I believe that it is essential for individuals to connect with nature in order to achieve a deeper understanding of themselves and the world around them.
2.) Transcendentalism is an American Philosophy that influenced American Literature at length. Can you find any Indian/Regional literature or Philosophy that came up with such similar thoughts?
Transcendentalism was a philosophical movement that emerged in the 19th century in America. It emphasized the role of intuition, individualism, and nature in the quest for spiritual and moral truths. Some of the main figures of transcendentalism were Ralph Waldo Emerson, Henry David Thoreau, Margaret Fuller, and Walt Whitman.
There are some similarities and differences between transcendentalism and Indian philosophy. Both traditions explored the concepts of the self, the soul, the divine, and the nature of reality. However, they also had different sources, methods, and goals. Transcendentalism was influenced by various Western and Eastern schools of thought, such as Platonism, Neoplatonism, German idealism, Romanticism, Buddhism, Hinduism, and Taoism. Indian philosophy, on the other hand, was mainly based on the Vedas, the Upanishads, the Bhagavad Gita, and the systems of Nyaya, Vaisheshika, Samkhya, Yoga, Mimamsa, and Vedanta.
Some of the Indian philosophers and writers who expressed ideas similar to transcendentalism were Sri Aurobindo, Rabindranath Tagore, Mahatma Gandhi, and Jiddu Krishnamurti. Sri Aurobindo was a visionary poet, philosopher, and yogi who developed a system of integral yoga that aimed at the transformation of human consciousness and the evolution of a divine life on earth. Rabindranath Tagore was a Nobel laureate poet, novelist, and musician who celebrated the harmony of nature, humanity, and the divine in his works.
3) Short Notes:
1. "Self-Reliance" by Ralph Waldo Emerson:
I’ll try to write a short summary of the essay “Self-Reliance” by Ralph Waldo Emerson which were nicely presented by our classmates Akshay, Darshan, Jatin, Hardi, Hiral, Nanda, Reshma, Asha, Divya, Hemali. Here is what I came up with:
"Self-Reliance" is an essay that urges readers to trust their own intuition and common sense rather than blindly following the opinions and values of others. Emerson argues that conforming to the expectations of society diminishes one's individuality and creativity, while being self-reliant allows one to express one's true self and achieve greatness. Emerson also discusses the nature of genius, virtue, and the divine spark within each person, and how they can be cultivated through self-reliance. He encourages readers to be independent, confident, and bold in their thoughts and actions, and to resist the pressure of tradition, custom, and convention. He asserts that self-reliance is the essence of American culture and identity, and the source of personal and social progress.
2.) "Solitude" from Waldon by Henry David Thoreau:
Here is my short summary of the essay “Solitude” from Walden by Henry David Thoreau and this essay also presented by me and my friends Jay S, Jay M, Riya, Khushi, Jayshri, Vishwa, Jayshri, Rahul.
Thoreau describes his experience of living alone in the woods, near Walden Pond, and how he finds joy and peace in being one with nature. He argues that solitude is not a matter of physical distance, but a state of mind that allows him to connect with the universal spirit of all things. He contrasts his simple and serene life with the busy and noisy society of his fellow men, who are often lonely and unhappy despite being surrounded by people and comforts. He claims that he is never truly alone, because he has the company of animals, plants, and the elements, which provide him with constant stimulation and inspiration. He also enjoys the occasional visits of his friends and neighbors, but he does not depend on them for his happiness. He believes that solitude is the best way to cultivate one’s inner freedom, wisdom, and creativity.
3.) "The Great Lawsuit" Margaret Fuller:
I’ll try to write a short summary of the essay "The Great Lawsuit" Margaret Fuller which were nicely presented by our classmates Akash, Dhatri, Unnati, Pallavi, Bhumiba, Maya, Yashraj, Trupti, Kusum, Kavita.
My understanding of the essay “The Great Lawsuit” by Margaret Fuller is that it is a powerful and influential work of feminist and transcendentalist thought. Fuller argues that all human beings, regardless of sex or race, are endowed with equal rights and dignity by the divine, and that they should be able to pursue their own individual development and happiness. She criticizes the social and legal barriers that prevent women and slaves from achieving their full potential and calls for a radical reform of the institutions and customs that oppress them. She also envisions a harmonious and spiritual relationship between men and women, based on mutual respect and love, that would benefit both individuals and society as a whole.
in simple way, we can say that. Fuller argues for the equality of men and women, both intellectually and spiritually, and criticizes the social and legal barriers that prevent women from achieving their full potential. She draws on various sources, such as history, mythology, religion, and literature, to support her claim that women have the same rights and capacities as men, and that they should be allowed to pursue their own interests and vocations. She also advocates for the abolition of slavery and the recognition of the dignity and worth of all human beings. She calls her essay “The Great Lawsuit” because she sees it as a legal case that has been going on for ages, and that needs to be resolved in favor of justice and truth. She hopes that her essay will inspire more people to join the cause of reform and progress.
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