Transcendentalism Dbq

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Transcendentalism is based upon five pillars. These pillars include: confidence, non-conformity, nature, self-reliance, and free thought. These ideas were unique for the early 1800’s. Such important people included, Emerson, and Thoreau, that pioneered this new way of thinking. Transcendentalism countered the ideas of such important figures as Thomas Paine, Patrick Henry, and Ben Franklin. The countered addressed philosophies on reason and justification. Transcendentalists believe things can happen for any reason. After reviewing the following sources, it is evident that transcendentalism should be glorified on its stance on free thought. This will be proven through, the true life story, “Into the Wild,” by Jon Krakauer and Ralph Waldo Emerson’s, “Nature.” …show more content…

Similar to the title, transcendentalism is based upon nature. Emerson reflects upon all of the positive things that can happen when something embraces nature. According to Source B, the author states, “all egotism vanishes”, (Emerson). This means that when someone goes into nature their status becomes obsolete. It does matter if they are upper, or lower class. It simply disappears. Money and possessions, no longer dictates who we are. Another example from Source B includes, “a man casts off his years, as the snake his slough, and at what period so ever a life is always a child,” (Emerson). This means that, in the “woods” one becomes young and carefree. Innocence remerges. These examples support the idea that transcendentalism has a positive effect on

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