Transcendentalism Research Paper

Nature has always been a controversial subject ever since the 1800’s when the artistic movement of Transcendentalism flourished. Transcendentalism refers to the intellectual movement that was developed in the 19th century which declares that truth can not be sought through plain observation, but is found through the “heightened consciousness” that allows an individual to reach the truth (Robinson 125). The “heightened consciousness” portrays spiritual guiding, letting the body dictate its own path to life. Eventually, key figures such as Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau emphasized the movement, discussing the relation between man, nature ,and transcendentalism. Over the course of the 19th century, transcendentalism links the value

As of currently, the system force feed knowledge to students, which to most cannot relate or find interest in to further pursue the course. Furthermore, children are cooped in a classroom for fives days a week, and are deprived from outdoor activities. Which result in students finding new sources of entertainment in their freetime; such as their phone, television, and computer. According to a study done by Tamar Lewin, a writer for the New York Times said, “The average young American now spends practically every minute — except for the time in school – using a smartphone, computer, television or electronic device.”(Lewin). This paints the picture of Nature Deficit Disorder. The term refers to human alienation of nature due to both intentional and accidental purposes. To clarify, as humans beings begin to urbanize, and moving indoors, due to the introduction of agriculture, social and technological changes, and not to mention the propagation of communication, poor urban planning and increase in street traffic, resulted in disappearance of opens space, which diminished the importance of the natural world. Many more scientific evidence are surfacing, which solidify the claim of nature deficit disorder. Howard Frumkin, Dean of the school of Public Health, University of Washington, suggested the disorder contributes to diminish of senses, attention deficit disorder, many condition of obesity, and most importantly, higher rates of physical and emotional illness. In an interview, he reportedly said, “nature-deficit weakens ecological literacy and stewardship of the natural world. These problems are linked more broadly to what health care experts call the “epidemic of inactivity,” and to a devaluing of independent play.” (Children Nature Network). This further paints the image of children no longer have the opportunity to play freely in nature, exploring the woods or wading in a