The Books That Shaped Transcendentalism

Photo by Chris Jordan

Transcendentalism is an era in time where people started caring more about spirituality and being one with nature rather than political scientific beliefs. The transcendentalist movement started around 1830 and lasted until about 1860. They believed it was critical for humans to have a close relationship with nature; they also strongly believed that your logic should come from yourself and not from an organized religion. A main way the belief and importance of transcendentalism spread were from books. These two authors helped spread and shape transcendentalism as a whole.

Nature by Ralph Waldo Emerson

Nature is about Emerson's belief in the importance of each individual person developing and understanding the importance of nature and the universe as a whole. In the introduction of Nature, Emerson strongly believes men should forget about all things that men are "supposed to do'' and really figure out their individual purpose and the importance to nature.

 “I really enjoy being outside, and doing outside activities especially in the summer,” Sophie Gable, 10 said.

Self-Reliance by Ralph Waldo Emerson

Ralph Waldo Emerson, who wrote Self-Reliance, and Nature was a significant writer of this period. He believed that nature is not God but the body of God's soul.

Self-Reliance reflects on human beings and their desire to be "comfortable." Emerson's idea is that people need to avoid being comfortable and connected to their mind, body, and soul: he believes that nature is the main way to connect with your inner self. 
“One section I enjoy in this book is when Emerson states, ‘envy is ignorance; that imitation is suicide…’ I like this quote because it reminds me that It is important to be original! Live your truth. Do what makes you happy,“ Mrs. Abigail Bansen, English teacher said.

Walden by Henry David Thoreau

Henry David Thoreau, writer of Walden and Life in the Woods, believed that "wildness is the preservation of the world."

Walden tells a story about Thoreau's personal experiences he endured while spending two years in a cabin by Walden Pond near Concord, Massachusetts. He wanted to experiment living alone in the wilderness, leading a simple life supported by no one, in the pure wilderness. This book has 18 chapters, one of the most famous and longest being “Economy," chapter one. 

“I read this book for the first time in college. Thoreau states, ‘I went to the woods because I wanted to live deliberately…’ Walden wanted to live his life purposefully. This is very significant because it serves as a reminder to slow down. While I don't want to flee to the woods for an extended period of time, I think it is important to slow down and focus on the small things in life,” Mrs. Abigail Bansen stated.