Theme Of Individualism In Ralph Waldo Emerson

The theme of individualism is present in many of Ralph Waldo Emerson’s works. This was not only the theme of his writings but, also his philosophical views on how to live life. He believed that human beings had amazing capabilities, more than they can possibly know about. With these capabilities a person should govern themselves, not be governed by a society. He also believed that nature played a large role on how man should act and to follow natures actions of growing freely. This is why he lead the Transcendentalism movement in the nineteenth century along with Theodore Parker, Frederic Henry Hedge, Amos Bronson Alcott, Margaret Fuller and Henry David Thoreau. This philosophy was not only important then, it was important throughout times

The first line of the essay explains the need to walk away from societal norms and trust yourself. Then he begins to describe nature in all its beauty. This is not only to describe what nature looks like, it is also to explain how no one has control of it. No one decides when the sun’s rays will shine down on the earth, it happens on it owns. Man is born to be like nature. They cannot be forced down into one spot and not be expected to grow. A man should grow as nature would grow, even if society tries to stop them. Trees and forests have been cut down for lumber and animals have been killed for the hides. This does not stop the trees from growing or stop the animals from mating. This is because man’s actions cannot stop nature. Society may try to cut a man down but he must continue to get back up. Once a man can be his own person he can begin to see nature in its purest form. Until then they will “have a very superficial” view on nature. Emerson believes he has come to this point in his life where he is like nature and sees its purest form. He is

It was not until 1865 that slavery was abolished in the United States. This was because centuries before this, slavery was considered normal throughout America. But, free thinkers began to realize that just because it happens in a majority of the country, doesn’t mean that is okay. In 1869 the National Woman Suffrage Association which was formed by Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton. For centuries women were inferior to men and women finally began going against society norms and stood up for their rights. On August 21st of 1920 women were given the write to vote by the 19th Amendment. On June 26th of 2015 it was ruled that the United States Constitution guaranteed the right to same sex marriage in the entire United States. This was something looked down by not only society but religion for centuries. Individuals went against the bible for their rights. Many people tried to stop them but they kept fighting for what they believed in. This is what Emerson had hoped people would start to realize. That going against the standards makes you an individual and when you are an individual you can make a difference in your life and the lives of