Thinking Activity : Transcendentalism

 Welcome to my blog, where I will talk about what I think and try to answer the questions given in this task.this blog is written as response to the given by vaidehi ma'am.

Introduction :

The philosophy of Transcendentalism:

The philosophy of transcendentalism originated in Unitarianism, the predominant religious movement in Boston in the early 19th century. Unitarianism was a liberal Christian sect that emphasized rationality, reason, and intellectualism; it was especially popular at Harvard.

The transcendentalists who established the Transcendental Club in Cambridge, Massachusetts in 1836—mostly Unitarian clergy and Boston-area intellectuals—did not reject Unitarianism but yearned for a more spiritual experience to balance out the emphasis on pure reason. The very word transcendentalism refers to a spirituality that transcends the realm of rationality.Transcendentalists believed that humans were fundamentally good but corrupted by society and that they should therefore strive for independence and self-reliance.

Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau were two of the most famous transcendentalists. In 1845, Thoreau moved to a cabin that he built on Walden Pond in Massachusetts and lived there for two years, two months, and two days. He chronicled the experience in his book Walden, published in 1854, which explored the themes of nature, spirituality, self-reliance, and the simple life. Thoreau acknowledged the debt transcendentalism owed to Indian religious beliefs by paying homage to the Bhagavad Gita, a Sanskrit epic that is one of the foundational texts of Hinduism: “In the morning I bathe my intellect in the stupendous and cosmogonal philosophy of the Bhagvat Geeta, since whose composition years of the gods have elapsed, and in comparison with which our modern world and its literature seem puny and trivial.”

Emerson gained fame as an essayist and public lecturer; his 1836 essay “Nature” laid out many of the tenets of the transcendentalist philosophy. He suggested that God could be found in nature and that spending time in nature was the closest man could come to the divine. Another of Emerson’s most famous works was the 1841 essay “Self-Reliance,” a defense of individualism, which emphasized nonconformity and personal responsibility. One of Emerson’s most famous quotes, a denunciation of mindless conformity, comes from this essay: “A foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of little minds, adored by little statesmen and philosophers and divines."

Women and transcendentalism:

Other influential transcendentalists were feminist pioneers. Margaret Fuller, a journalist and women’s rights advocate, edited The Dial, which was first published in 1840 and served as the primary journal of the transcendentalists until 1844. She was a frequent contributor to the journal and in 1845 published Woman in the Nineteenth Century, an early feminist manifesto that may have inspired the 1848 Seneca Falls Convention—the first conference in America devoted to the issue of women’s rights.

Transcendentalism and reform:

By the 1850s, many transcendentalists had become subsumed in the struggle to abolish slavery. As the incorporation of new territories into the Union exacerbated sectional tensions, the slavery issue dominated New England intellectual circles. Ralph Waldo Emerson, in keeping with his reverence for individual freedom, became a vocal abolitionist and spoke out against the Fugitive Slave Law—which provided for the return of runaway slaves—and the Kansas-Nebraska Act of 1854—which held that settlers in Kansas and Nebraska would be the ones to decide whether those states would become slave states or free.

Now let's discuss about answer the question given on task.

(Q.1)Transcendentalists talk about the Individual’s relation with Nature. What is Nature for you? Share your views.

Ans:

Nature, to me, represents the interconnected web of life, where every element plays a vital role. It embodies the beauty, complexity, and balance of the natural world, fostering a sense of awe and humility. The individual's relation with Nature, as emphasized by Transcendentalists, reflects a profound connection that goes beyond the material, nurturing spiritual and introspective dimensions.

Nature holds profound significance for me. It serves as a spiritual sanctuary, inspiring awe and fostering introspection. Observing its cyclical patterns teaches me about life's rhythms and impermanence. Recognizing our interconnectedness, I feel a responsibility to act as a steward, promoting sustainability. Nature's beauty influences art and philosophy, sparking creativity. Its therapeutic benefits promote mental and physical well-being, reducing stress. Being in Nature heightens awareness of biodiversity and ecological balance. The interdependence of living beings underscores the importance of mindful living. Nature reflects our inner states, mirroring tranquility or turbulence. Across cultures, it holds symbolic and cultural significance. Immersing myself in Nature rejuvenates and restores, providing a break from modern demands and revitalizing my energy.

(Q.2)Transcendentalism is an American Philosophy that influenced American Literature at length. Can you find any Indian/Regional literature or Philosophy that came up with such similar thoughts?

Ans:

In Indian philosophy, Vedanta shares some similarities with Transcendentalism. Both emphasize the interconnectedness of the self with the universe and highlight spiritual exploration as a means to achieve a deeper understanding of existence. Notable figures like Swami Vivekananda and Rabindranath Tagore contributed to these ideas in the Indian context.

Vedanta, a prominent school of Indian philosophy, aligns with the core tenets of Transcendentalism. Both philosophies converge in their emphasis on the interconnectedness of the individual self with the broader universe. Central to their shared principles is the idea that spiritual exploration serves as a pathway to attaining a profound understanding of existence. In the Indian context, influential figures such as Swami Vivekananda and Rabindranath Tagore have significantly contributed to the development and dissemination of these transcendental thoughts, enriching the tapestry of Indian philosophical and literary discourse.

(Q.3)Write in short about your understanding of the following essays according to the topics given.

Ans:

In our group  "solitude" from waldon by Henry David Thoreau given essay task.

"Walden" by Henry David Thoreau reflects on the theme of solitude, exploring the tranquility and self-discovery found in nature. Thoreau emphasizes the value of simplicity and the individual's connection to the natural world as a means of achieving a more meaningful existence.

The theme of solitude in "Walden" revolves around Thoreau's belief in the importance of spending time alone in nature for self-reflection and understanding. He argues that modern society often leads to a life of quiet desperation, and solitude in nature can bring clarity and a deeper connection to one's true self.Thoreau's detailed observations of the natural world, seasons, and his daily routines are woven into the narrative. Through his experiences, he encourages readers to question societal norms, consumerism, and the pursuit of material wealth in favor of a more intentional and meaningful life.

In summary, "Walden" is a philosophical and reflective work that explores the theme of solitude as a means to discover inner truths and live a purposeful life in harmony with nature.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, transcendentalism was a philosophical and literary movement in the 19th century that emphasized the inherent goodness of people and nature, promoting self-reliance, individualism, and the belief in the transcendent power of intuition. It left a lasting impact on American literature and thought, influencing writers and thinkers well beyond its initial period.

Thank you 😊.....