Transcendentalism is such a simple premise, yet it is composed of more controversial and complex philosophies than the majority of other phases that have occurred throughout history. One could try to explain the belief that an ideal spiritual state transcends everything physically known and is only realized in thought, but this does not express the true basis of the movement. These words can be so difficult to understand, which proves to be true for most literature by transcendentalist authors. However, it is normally quite simple for Americans to understand the phrase “be yourself.” While many other ideas were expressed about religion and existence, they all lead back to the concept of expressing one’s own thoughts regardless of how unusual they may be. The transcendentalist period was one that broke boundaries of traditional thinking, embraced uniqueness, and could have made America thrive with creative individuals.
“To be great is to be misunderstood,” is a simple phrase, written by Ralph Waldo Emerson in “Self Reliance,” yet it can truly summarize the transcendentalist movement. The concepts that were expressed were, and still are, very difficult for the majority to grasp – let alone agree with. Regardless, this misunderstanding did not stop the transcendentalists; instead, it fueled their effort. Emerson’s words are really rather repetitive. It is as if he is saying the same message over and over again in hope that his readers will hear it in one form. He says to “insist on yourself; never imitate” and that, “every great man is unique.” Reflecting on the title, it is exactly what he is trying to explain. One must rely on himself or herself, not on others or even Emerson. This concept has the ability to raise levels of independence, as it is accepting and encouraging freethinking rather than conformity.
Building upon individuality, the worst flaw that an individual can have is not to have confidence in their difference from “normal.” Emerson says that, “man is timid and apologetic; he is no longer upright; he dares not say ‘I think,’ ‘I am,’ but quotes some saint or sage.” By this, he is saying that it is difficult for citizens to come up with fresh ideas and share them. Instead, Americans prefer to look at something that has already been done and not risk the unknown or unheard of. Rather than not care what others think of one’s presentation, there is a tendency to feel as if one has done “wrong” for not being in the majority. “Self Reliance” also stresses to “speak what you think now in hard words, and to-morrow speak what to-morrow thinks in hard words again, though it contradict every thing you said to-day.” It doesn’t matter if one’s opinions change or one contradicts their previous statements, one should say what one wishes and embrace it in the moment. It is okay to try and be proven wrong, but holding back is the only true form of failure.
Henry David Thoreau embraced many of the same ideas as Emerson. He explores in “Walden” how society has transformed into something unoriginal and superficial by making comments such as “say what you have to say, not what you ought.” Thoreau is trying to encourage readers to break the rules of speaking. It does not matter what one should say, instead it matters that one says what they would like to. By speaking one’s mind, the interactions that occur can be true and pure. He says, “If a man does not keep pace with his companions, perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer.” One does not need to make the same moves as everyone else as long as one is doing as they feel compelled to do. As a result, society should not try to stop those who dare to choose a different path. Instead, it is necessary that everyone “let him step to the music which he hears, however measured or far away.” It is okay to dream as big as possible, as long as it is what is truly desired by the individual dreaming.
Thoreau addresses conformity with great passion by commenting on “how worn and dusty, then, must be the highways of the world, how deep the ruts of tradition and conformity.” He believes that to be true to oneself and to the nature of the world, it is necessary to choose the unguided path; however, many avoid choosing this path and instead go with the pathways that majority of the world chooses. This makes those methods worn out and simply a rut that becomes harder to rebel against. Thoreau encourages, “Let every one mind his own business, and endeavor to be what he was made.” This shows that everyone should not worry about what others desire to do, but instead focus on achieving their own goals in life no matter what anyone believes about them. The opinion of others should be disregarded because, ultimately, no one else can control one’s destiny. One cannot interfere with the goals of others, but should prioritize with the preservation of their own.
The idea of being materialistic is also addressed by Thoreau. To him and many other transcendentalists, intellect comes before any physical element of the world. The only thing that is known to be true is one’s ideas, and for that reason, they are more valuable than anything in the world. He says, “Sell your clothes and keep your thoughts” to show that the most important thing that one must have is their ability to process their own opinions. Without them, no other necessity or frivolous possession means anything. Thoreau expresses says, “Rather than love, than money, than fame, give me truth.” This shows that he would rather be pure and true to whom he is, than have someone like him, progress economically, or be successful. The greatest thing he can do is simply reveal his truth and accept the truth of others rather than become part of a competitive popularity contest by trying to appeal to the masses of select individuals.
“The Maypole at Merry Mount” takes these concepts of individualism and shows how wildly they are discouraged. The people of Merry Mount are freethinking and do as they please to celebrate the marriage of the young couple. They are having a nice time and could care less about how they might be portrayed. The Puritans interfere with their celebration and try to dictate how they should act and present themselves. The religion enforces its strict guidelines among the people of Merry Mount and do not care for their individualism. This premise shows the reality of society. It is hard to dare against what is accepted, for the traditional majority is always there to judge, critic, and punish one for going against the usual beliefs. Stereotypes cloud the ability to truly express and explore new options of lifestyles.
Just like in “Meno,” it is important to realize that what is right for one person is not always going to be accepted as right by everyone. Ideally, Socrates and the transcendentalists were very similar. Emerson even makes reference to him by saying “Pythagoras was misunderstood, and Socrates, and Jesus, and Luther, and Copernicus, and Galileo, and Newton, and every pure and wise spirit that ever took flesh.” One does not need to be understood or traditional in the eyes of the majority in order to have a true and thorough point. Even without a point, one can still represent their thoughts and agree that nothing is truly certain within the world except for uncertainty itself. Socrates showed that he could have every opinion he wanted to about topics such as virtue, yet he realistically could not prove any true existence or explanation of what the concept truly meant and stood for within the world as a whole.
While one would think and wish not, the ability to freely think for oneself goes against a lot of traditional mannerisms. People are set in their ways of how society should be and often not open to something that challenges what was accepted for so long. It doesn’t matter if the issue at hand is homosexual rights, cyber schools, or questioning if we even truly exist. America may have set out to be a land of opportunity and freedom, but we’re just as stuck in tradition as older nations. If Americans could embrace the individualism that is expressed by the transcendentalists, much conflict would be avoided. Americans could develop a more accepting society where it is of no concern what others are doing, it simply is crucial that everyone does what they feel is right for them. The diversity this could bring to the country would be incredible, as with each generation, the focus on being “popular” makes citizens more identical and afraid of self-expression.
The premises of transcendentalism may not always be clear to Americans. However, the basic concept of being pure to one’s own thoughts is something that needs to be heard. As Emerson wrote, “Shakspeare will never be made by the study of Shakspeare.” One cannot expect to bring back transcendentalism by being the individual that these authors try to express. Quoting Emerson or Thoreau and sharing their opinions does not make you a new Emerson or Thoreau. By interpreting their ideas, however, it is possible to start a new motion in the twenty-first century. A new motion that can dare to challenge society, appreciates distinctiveness, and defies the gravity of traditional thinking with fresh concepts and forms of expression just as the transcendentalists did. Conformity and sticking with what is safe is not truly living. One can only truly live and exist when they embrace their thoughts, which are more real than any physical surrounding.
No comments:
Post a Comment