Henry David Thoreau & Margaret Fuller

Basic Elements of Transcendentalism in the Works of Henry David Thoreau

1. Self-Reliance: Thoreau’s Walden embodies the principle of self-reliance, urging individuals to depend on their own capabilities rather than societal institutions. By living in solitude at Walden Pond, he demonstrates that one can lead a fulfilling life by simplifying one's needs and trusting personal instincts.

2. Free Thinking/Individualism: Thoreau believed that true knowledge comes from personal experience rather than conforming to established doctrines. In Walden, he challenges materialism and industrial progress, asserting that individuals should pursue intellectual and spiritual freedom over social expectations.

3. Nonconformity/Civil Disobedience: In Civil Disobedience, Thoreau argues that individuals must resist unjust laws and governments through peaceful means. His act of refusing to pay poll tax as a protest against slavery and the Mexican-American War highlights his commitment to nonconformity.

4. Spirituality: Rather than adhering to organized religion, Thoreau sought a direct connection with the divine through nature. Walden portrays nature as a spiritual guide, encouraging self-reflection and an inner sense of morality beyond institutional constraints.

5. Importance of Nature: Thoreau saw nature as a source of truth, wisdom, and self-discovery. His detailed observations of the natural world in Walden suggest that humans can find purpose and peace through communion with nature, rather than urban distractions.

6. Confidence: Thoreau believed in the power of the individual to create meaningful change. His unwavering belief in self-sufficiency and moral responsibility, as demonstrated in Civil Disobedience, underscores the necessity of personal conviction in challenging unjust systems.

Thoreau’s Statement: "That government is best which governs least"

Thoreau’s statement reflects his deep skepticism toward institutional power. He believed that government should serve as a facilitator rather than an enforcer of individual freedoms. In Civil Disobedience, he criticizes excessive government intervention, arguing that bureaucratic structures often prioritize economic and political gains over moral considerations. His philosophy suggests that personal conscience should take precedence over blind obedience to laws, a concept that influenced leaders like Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr. However, while minimal governance aligns with personal liberty, in contemporary times, it raises questions about the role of government in addressing issues like social justice, climate change, and economic disparity.

Two Major Themes of Margaret Fuller’s Philosophy

1. Women’s Rights and Gender Equality: In Woman in the Nineteenth Century, Fuller challenges patriarchal structures, advocating for women’s intellectual and social empowerment. She argues that true democracy cannot exist unless women are granted equal opportunities in education, work, and personal growth.

2. Self-Culture and Personal Development: Fuller, like Thoreau, emphasized self-reliance but particularly in the context of women’s liberation. She encouraged individuals, especially women, to develop their intellect and creativity beyond traditional roles, believing that self-education was key to achieving personal and societal progress.

Compare Transcendentalist ideas with that of Puritanism. Which philosophical ideology can you consider relevant for our times?

Transcendentalism and Puritanism offer contrasting worldviews, especially when it comes to their understanding of God, human nature, authority, nature, and society.

Transcendentalism emphasizes the inherent goodness of humans, viewing individuals as capable of moral growth through personal intuition and experience. Transcendentalists believe that God is present in nature and in the individual’s soul, meaning divine truth is accessible through personal reflection and communion with the natural world. This belief in the immanence of God encourages self-reliance, individualism, and free thinking. Transcendentalists reject rigid institutions and advocate for nonconformity, believing that society often stifles the individual’s ability to grow spiritually and morally. Nature is a central theme in Transcendentalism, regarded as a source of wisdom and divine inspiration, allowing individuals to reconnect with their true selves.

On the other hand, Puritanism emphasizes strict adherence to religious doctrine, where God is seen as an external, sovereign authority who controls human fate. Puritans believed that human beings were inherently sinful and could only be redeemed through grace and obedience to God’s will. For Puritans, authority came from the church and scripture, and there was little room for individual interpretation or rebellion against established norms. They viewed nature as something to be subdued and controlled, often seeing it as a source of temptation or moral danger. The Puritan community was organized around a strict moral code, and communal discipline was essential to maintaining the social order. Spiritual fulfillment was found through adherence to these religious principles, with the ultimate goal being salvation and preparation for the afterlife.

Which Ideology is More Relevant Today?

In the context of modern society, Transcendentalism seems more relevant. Its emphasis on individual freedom, environmental consciousness, and resistance to oppressive institutions resonates with contemporary concerns about personal liberties, social justice, and environmental preservation. The modern world, which values personal rights and democratic principles, aligns more closely with the Transcendentalist belief in self-reliance, intellectual freedom, and the ability of individuals to effect change through their own actions.

While Puritanism may offer some value in terms of community ethics and moral discipline, its rigid, authoritarian structure and focus on obedience to external religious authority do not fit well with today’s pluralistic, democratic societies. Transcendentalism’s call for personal growth, spiritual connection through nature, and nonconformity better addresses the issues of individual rights, personal autonomy, and environmental awareness that are central to contemporary life.