Short Essay On Transcendentalism

Thoreau’s essay focuses on his belief that the individual has the right and the duty to protest unjust laws or an unjust government. He even spent the night in jail because he refused to pay the poll tax in order to protest the Mexican American War. Thoreau’s night in jail was the inspiration for his reasoning that “There will never be a really free and enlightened State, until the State comes to recognize the individual as a higher and independent power, from which all its own power and authority are deviated, and treats him accordingly.” (Thoreau 1872). He believed in the power of the individual as an essential part of the State and that “a single man can bend [the government] to his will.”

According to Austin Campbell, one of John Muir’s most inspiring quotes is “The mountains are calling and I must go.” John Muir was an environmentalist in the late 1800’s who wrote books and joined a park. Muir ideas came from nature itself, therefore he wrote books and inspiring quotes, was associated with Yosemite National Park and started the Sierra Club. John Muir, an environmental activist and journalist, was born April 21, 1838 and died in December 24, 1914. Muir grew up forced to memorize the Bible and retain a difficult schedule.

Transcendentalism was a philosophical movement that occurred in America after the enlightenment and before the civil war. Transcendental authors espoused closeness with nature while at the same time nonconformity with mainstream society. Comparing and contrasting the bonds that these writers promoted by using details from several works of literature is intriguing. Transcendental authors like Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau share their ideas towards nature.

As the book progresses, Shelley’s view of nature slowly comes out; she seems to think nature can be explained by natural examples. The author’s view of nature does not go with the Bible view of it, clearly showing where Shelley’s worldview lies. While Frankenstein may seem like an ordinary mystery novel, the author’s meaning behind it goes much deeper. The book raises questions concerning the power of God, the characteristics of mankind, and man’s view of nature.

I personally felt that this book is not only for Christian ministers or leaders but for everyone and anyone because, as mortal human beings, we live in a societal world where caring or helping each other is indispensable. I like the way Nouwen makes us see the four chapters of this book, as entering into four different doors, each representing the ‘problems of ministry in the modern world’ (Nouwen, 2010, p.3). I’ve categorized my reflections on this book into three particular headings. The Human Condition Nouwen starts the first chapter by portraying Peter, a young man going through the contemporary human condition, which is, the search of meaning to their life.

He believed that he had the right to refuse to pay towards the war since he felt that it was an unjust, imperialistic war that allowed the government to expand its slavery’s domain. Throughout his night in jail, he emphasized that the government cannot force him to pay; however, they can punish his body. The government aims to diminish the physical strength of a human rather than one’s sense. He interprets that society has left him in jail rather than the government since he refuses to conform towards society’s ideals.

Thoreau believed that citizens had no obligation to obey a higher law if it went against their belief system. Thoreau encouraged others to do as he did and not pay the taxes to a government

He gets carried away with his powers and believes that following his laws is the only way to maintain a unity and peace. Also, the kingdom is in a condition where a strong leader is necessary to lead them out of misfortunes. If Creon changes his mind immediately and does not stick to his original rules, the citizens will see him as a weak and vulnerable ruler, which does not match with his expected reputation. However, after realizing that he was being selfish and finding out that his actions can hurt his family, Creon considers opinions of others and tries to free Antigone. “And the guilt is all mine—/can never be fixed on another man, /no escape for me.

Throughout the writing of “Civil Disobedience,” Thoreau often referred back to his idea that he supported which was “That government is best which governs not at all.” (Thoreau) In the passage, Thoreau believed that the government does not have a conscience. He talked about not wanting to pay the government poll tax, which in result, caused him to be thrown into jail. A poll tax is just a tax on a person for existing, therefore, everyone had to pay the same amount regardless of the value of their possessions.

First argument that Paine has made was about distinction between society and government. Paine made it clear that he mainly did not love government, whose individual value he thought lies in "restraining our vices" (Paine, 1776). For Paine, the natural state of man is to live without government, and government's existence is needed only to solve its problems created by this usual, revolutionary way of life. If a government is unsuccessful in improving society or, even worse, it is actively initiates other troubles so it is not essential to be ruled by that government.

The “Personal Narrative” of Jonathan Edwards is an account of how Edwards was converted to the work of Christianity. It personally relays how Edwards gains his desire to work for the Lord, and gives a detailed account of his doubts and strengths. However, while this narrative focuses on Edwards Christian’s conversion, there are also a lot of elements concerning nature. In fact, almost every time Edwards has a conversion experience, he mentions nature as a part of it. Many scholars have looked at Edwards “Personal Record” and have their own interpretations of it.

When we find a new problem or we have something to question about, science pushes us to have the curiosity to want to find out the answer, but with religion we use God as an excuse to solve the problem. For example, when we want to know why landscapes and shaped

As an individual sits in the salon with their cup of coffee, will each sip raise qualitative questions about their innate principles? By becoming indulgent towards well known statements, individuals extol them too highly causing these statements to become extraneous. If individuals divert their attention from the true meaning of these tenets, these morals should not be labeled as “innate.” Because these principles are known to be universal, individuals blindly accept them; however, what if everything they believed was untrue? Should an individual live by a set of fabrications?

The articles of confederation was written right after the revolutionary war was fought, however, the AOC failed, so they had to start all over with a new document called the constitution. 9 out of 13 colonies needed to ratify the new constitution for it to take effect. When it came to organize the government after the AOC, the people were divided on how the government should handle the fears of social, political, and economic fears which motivated the 2 parties, federalist and antifederalist. The federalists supported the new constitution, while the anti federalists were opposed. The political motivation for the federalists to support the ratification was they believed that a stronger government was necessary as the AOC had failed previously