Path to Success

523 Words2 Pages
bulb-icon

Recommended: A song by myself walt whitman analysis

In any attempt to succeed, perseverance and adhering to one’s own beliefs can provide a basis to reach one’s ultimate goal. Transcendentalism expresses the importance of individualism and persistence despite obstacles to promote the path of life. Walt Whitman’s section forty-six of “Song of Myself” and Fanny Palmer’s Westward the Course of Empire Makes its Way encompass transcendentalists ideals to emphasize individual and indirect travel on the path to Divine Light.
Walt Whitman and Fanny Palmer stress the importance of embarking on an individual journey, being independent from societal instruction. In section 46 of “Song of Myself”, Whitman explains to the reader, “not I, not anyone else can travel that road for you, you must travel it for yourself” (Whitman, § 46). Whitman’s explanation of life’s path demonstrates importance of individualism. He emphasizes that traveling the path without excessive influence from society serves as a crucial component for successful travel. Whitman later explains, “ Iwash the gum from your eyes, [but] you must habit yourself to the dazzle of the l...

Show More
Related

  • Into the Wild: Christopher McCandless’ Transcendentalist Journey

    799 Words  | 2 Pages

    Individual simplicity is one of the main characteristics of being a Transcendentalist and along with the founding father of this movement Christopher McCandless was able to demonstrate this characteristic in his life. Although, coming from a model family and moving towards success Chris’ drastic changes towards a Transcendental life due to his beliefs shows his individual simplicity. McCandless truly embodied this trait in his reasoning behind his long journey to the Alaskan wilderness and his reflection on why he had made such radical changes in his life.

    Read More

  • Transcendentalism in America: The Philosophical and Literary Movement

    1060 Words  | 3 Pages

    The 1830s was a time of serious religious conflict. Many people, especially authors, had different opinions on how to find true spirituality. In the end, authors in America created Transcendentalism. Transcendentalism is a philosophical and literary movement that searches for individual truth through spiritual reflection, complete solitude, and a deep connection with nature. Because this was established by authors, many of them wrote different pieces reflecting and using the beliefs of Transcendentalism. Ralph Waldo Emerson was considered to be the father of Transcendentalism. He wrote many influential pieces that follow and emphasize major Transcendental beliefs. The major beliefs include the over-soul, nature, and senses. In addition to those, there are minor beliefs and overall ways of living. These beliefs were included in Transcendental pieces as a general way to share the belief and to create a movement. Due to the use of nature, senses, and the over-soul as its three core Transcendental beliefs, Ralph Waldo Emerson’s “Nature” successfully explain the fundamentals of Transcendentalism.

    Read More

  • The Art Of Transcendentalism: Ralph Waldo Emerson

    214 Words  | 1 Pages

    Someone once said, “ A revolution isn't always an act of violence that results in a bloody battle”. Transcendentalism has affirmed that fact indeed, since it is a movement expressed in a form of revolution that uses letters and words as its only weapon, its a form independence and individual improvement in which one reflects his own opinion, and radical ideas through using a pen and critical thinking as the best form of expression. Ralph Waldo Emerson, was an American essayist, lecturer, and poet who led the transcendental movement of the 19th century. To Emerson, independence and self-reliance were his main focus, hence they provide a unique link between one’s self and what goes beyond. His sole abstract ideas, vivid expressions, and symbolic

    Read More

  • Christopher McCandless is NOT a True Transcentalist

    1662 Words  | 4 Pages

    Transcendentalism is a religious, philosophical, literary, and social movement of the nineteenth century. Essentially, this movement was based upon the ideals of the “sixth sense,” nature, and non-conformity, as well as individualism, intuition, idealism, imagination, and inspiration. A few of the works and writings featured in the transcendental unit include Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer, The Beatification of Chris McCandless: From Thieving Poacher into Saint by Craig Medred, and Nature by Ralph Waldo Emerson. The primary focus of this essay is to provide an opinion on a strikingly debatable topic; Whether or not Christopher McCandless, hero of Krakauer’s Into the Wild, was a true transcendentalist. Despite the bold actions of Chris McCandless on his daring Alaskan odyssey, he turned out to be far from a true transcendentalist, failing to meet the definition of transcendentalism, being solely concerned with himself, and acting out of revenge rather than seeking self discovery - nothing more than a childish suicidal rebel.

    Read More

  • Song of Myself

    1385 Words  | 3 Pages

    In conclusion, “Song of Myself” is the perfect combination between poetry and revelation, Short but prodigious. In general terms, in this poem Whitman conveys the idea and reality of which all belong to a whole, that humans are part of an essence, which unites us and makes us all the same. Therefore; there is no difference between finding the essence and conceive the truth.

    Read More

  • Transcendentalism In Catcher In The Rye

    689 Words  | 2 Pages

    “Do not go where the path may lead you; go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.” Ralph Waldo Emerson, the father of Transcendentalism, emphasized the importance of nonconformity in a world filled with followers. Instead of molding into society’s creation, or following “the path,” Emerson promoted abstaining from losing one’s individuality and creating a new “trail.” Emerson’s belief in refusing to conform and protecting one’s differences remains an integral part in living a transcendental life. As one of the fundamental rights of the movement, maintaining a distinct identity was an elusive but interesting concept, especially in the nineteenth century. Moreover, the act of finding one’s self in nature exists prominently

    Read More

  • The Road Not Taken Transcendentalism Analysis

    220 Words  | 1 Pages

    “The Road Not Taken” by Robert Frost is the best representation of transcendentalism because it shows self-reliance, conformity versus nonconformity, and the importance of nature. In the poem, the speaker makes a choice to continue their walk through the forest on the path that is barely disturbed. The speaker’s choice showed the reader that the speaker had free will and trust in their decision, which plays into the theme of self-reliance in transcendentalism. The poem also touches on the definitions of conformity and nonconformity when the speaker described the path of nonconformity as if, “no step had trodden black.” The author did not describe the path of conformity in the poem in detail, but the lack of description perfectly tied into the

    Read More

  • Individuality in Whitman's Song of Myself

    1259 Words  | 3 Pages

    Whitman's radical ideas of individualism have a great deal to do with his Quaker background. The Quaker religion is one in which the authority was Inner Light. "Whitman himself was not only personally familiar with, but deeply impressed by, a religion whose only authority was the Inner Light" (Canoy 481). The Inner Light is a special influence, which made Whitman's poetry unique. This certain influence did such things as guide Whitman down his soul searching path as well as help him define within himself the characteristics of an individual. In section fifteen of "Song of Myself," Whitman discusses people from every class and every profession. He goes on to say "the young fellow drives the express-wagon... love him though I do not know him;" (2753). ...

    Read More

  • Transcendentalism in the Poems of Whitman

    2115 Words  | 5 Pages

    From looking at the titles of Walt Whitman's vast collection of poetry in Leaves of Grass one would be able to surmise that the great American poet wrote about many subjects -- expressing his ideas and thoughts about everything from religion to Abraham Lincoln. Quite the opposite is true, Walt Whitman wrote only about a single subject which was so powerful in the mind of the poet that it consumed him to the point that whatever he wrote echoed of that subject. The beliefs and tenets of transcendentalism were the subjects that caused Whitman to write and carried through not only in the wording and imagery of his poems, but also in the revolutionary way that he chose to write his poetry. The basic assumptions and premises of transcendentalism can be seen in all of Whitman's poems, and are evident in two short poetic masterpieces: "A Noiseless Patient Spider" and "When I Heard the Learn'd Astronomer."

    Read More

  • Walt Whitman and Hanshan

    531 Words  | 2 Pages

    Poems by Walt Whitman and Hanshan feature strong enlightenment ideals and prevalent references to nature as a way to achieve these ideals. Though the two men lived in very different times, their works carry similar messages. Following the path to enlightenment generally refers to the Buddhist Eightfold Path, though it has been adapted over time to refer to the state of understanding a person reaches, both of oneself and his or her surroundings, as well as of that beyond what can be sensed. Relying solely on one’s talents and denying society and worldly possessions are typically seen as characteristics of an enlightened person, as seen in the writings of both Whitman and Hanshan.

    Read More

  • Emerson’s “Self-Reliance”

    829 Words  | 2 Pages

    Ralph Waldo Emerson’s “Self-Reliance” was written in 1841 in New England during the Transcendentalist Movement, which was a revolt against the “Age of Reason” and the beginning of Romanticism. Emerson’s essay is about Transcendentalism, the belief that every human has his own way of thinking and personal inborn knowledge to build his opinion, independent from the common beliefs of the community and he should believe in and express his opinion to be successful. Emerson supports the idea of Transcendentalism by urging his readers to trust their own ideas, beliefs and common sense, to listen to and to trust their inner voice and to hold the popular opinion back from influencing their way of thinking, if they want to be successful. He tells them to be proud of their own opinion and not to be shy about expressing it. If all men lived after the idea of Transcendentalism and became self-reliant, they would do all jobs and activities better than before and would have more success.

    Read More

  • The Philosophy of Transcendentalism

    1282 Words  | 3 Pages

    Transcendentalism was one of the most important movements of the nineteenth century that was forever immortalized by innovative authors such as Emerson, Thoreau, and Hawthorne and their works of literature. The theory embodied ideals that, if taken to heart, had the potential to create a better understanding of the soul. If people could connect their individual soul with the universe, they could fulfill their potential in life. The impact that Emerson, Thoreau, and Hawthorne had on transcendental philosophy and literature brought about a whole new realm of thought and understanding to American intellect and literature. The shape of their philosophies, although altered to reflect the existing modem thought and value, can be seen in the writings of Walt Whitman, Louisa May Alcott, John Burroughs and the teachings of modem day oracles such as Gandhi. The impact, felt by all social institutions, created a new sense of identity and freedom in the American people that can be recognized in the many social movements of the subsequent generations.

    Read More

  • The Path To Success

    538 Words  | 2 Pages

    There are several qualities to have to be successful in college. These qualities can range from attending class to going above and beyond what’s expected. Success comes from the journey taken or the path chosen. Success also comes from being prepared. As a student, I must step up to the challenge and find the path to success along the way. Several ways I define success is to uphold academic integrity, have the ability to prioritize, and to motivate myself to stay on top of what needs to be accomplished.

    Read More

  • Comparing The Self In Walt Whitman's Song Of Myself

    731 Words  | 2 Pages

    Walt Whitman used free verse in “Song of Myself” in order to connect with the common man and his American readers. In this first person narrative, Whitman deconstructs the “self” into many different sections that all are a part of the celebration of the individual. Some of the topics he breaks the “self” into are self- identity, and human exploration (including the human body and sexuality). In the poem, Whitman uses a speaker to exclaim that for individuals to grow they must discover themselves spiritually, physically, and mentally. The speaker in the poem

    Read More

  • My Personal Success Strategies

    855 Words  | 2 Pages

    Being in my Personal Development class there has been many success strategies from our On Course textbook. These strategies will be carried on in my life as a guide to my very own personal philosophy of success. After careful consideration the four most appropriate On Course success strategies that will be best of use to achieve success will be to discover self-motivation, master self-management, adopt lifelong learning, and accept personal responsibility. Success is everything you make it out to be, it is accomplishments of your own set of goals and dreams you wish to achieve.

    Read More

More about Path to Success

Open Document