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How Does Thoreau's Civil Disobedience Relate To Transcendentalism?

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Those who want the world to change will vocalize their opinion for it. Whether it be a politician, a dictator, or a human-rights activist, those who speak for what they wish have more of a chance to alter the world's course than those who say nothing at all. As the popular saying goes, "You have no chance of winning the lottery you didn't enter." Among these famous speakers, there is the trio of transcendentalist thinkers: Emerson, Thoreau, and Whitman. While each of these three poets have a particular style, one in particular lead the path to a more free America and Earth. Henry David Thoreau, an American poet, has published works that have questioned what it means to be "normal" in society. He has taught readers to go out and question what their reality is. In one particular text, Thoreau begs questions that--to this day--people question. In Civil Disobedience, by Henry David Thoreau, he uses words to inspire people even to this day. …show more content…

In the eighteenth century, the Founding Fathers of America met and designed a document that would outline the necessities of what was to become America. They decided upon life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. This is a radical idea for Henry David Thoreau, who takes this and forms his poetry around it. Inspired by his predecessor, Ralph Waldo Emerson and his poem Concord Hymn, Thoreau decided to go a different direction with his poetry and speak of what America needed to improve if it was indeed going to live up to what Whitman would later write about. Thoreau believes that there are definitely flaws within America, yet they are large flaws that if taken care of, everything will be benevolent for everyone. These ideals of freedom Thoreau possesses carry on and inspire the people of

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