The Causes Of Transcendentalism In Thoreau's Civil Disobedience

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The imaginary chains in which the government has bound us together, has kept us in place and in line for many years. Thoreau was greatly influenced by Emerson and his ideologies. Just like Emerson he was a transcendentalist. However, Thoreau was devoted to his cause when it came to believing in a just government. Within this his essay “civil disobedience” he tries to influence people to realize the wrongs in the system. This essay has made a mark in history by inspiring people to take action against the government who uphold immoral laws. The main characteristics he wants to instill in the people of this nation are the ability to rise up, have no fear, and follow what is just. This nation creates various laws in which we all must follow, although they might not seem fair to all. Some will say that these laws are created to keep the people down, however no one will ever try to fight …show more content…

The reason for this might have been because he was yet, to be a famous author or because he lived within the shadow of Emerson. However, this essay that was written brought forward so many great ideas and perspective to the people who will soon read it. This essay sparked and enlightened some of the greatest civil rights activists in history. From Ghandi who was the leader in freeing India from British rule and was arrested for his peaceful protest yet, he did not lose hope or give in due to Thoreau’s essay. The next great activist to be inspired by Thoreau was Martin Luther King Jr. who was the voice of the civil rights movement in the late 1960’s. Many people thought that he got his kind nature from being a Christian and a priest and so they thought what inspired him was the bible but, he was actually inspired by the transcendentalist himself. These three men have but one similarity and that is that they do not seek violence to change, but peace and unity in order to move

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