Transcendentalism In Today's Society

Theories and philosophies pertaining to life are what history and the future are constructed of. The philosophical movement of transcendentalism is centered around the belief of discovering principles of reality through spiritual understanding; obtained by going beyond everyday experiences. The main characteristics of the movement, including, nonconformity, the importance of nature, and free thought, encourages many aspects of life today.The ideas of transcendentalism helped diversify today's society, and revolutionized the way people view the world.

In American history, several activists portrayed transcendental qualities which assisted in the development of today’s society. Martin Luther King Junior took a stand against popular belief and

rejected the racial stereotypes concerning African Americans. His non-violent approach contrasted previous deadly rebellions in history, and was likely the key factor in his success. He spoke out for what he believed in even when it was despised by society. Through his nonconformity and activism, he played a crucial role in ending segregation for African Americans in the South and the development of several acts improving the treatment of the black population. With King’s rejection of the standardized perspective of colored individuals, he produced a society where the color of one’s skin does not affect the way they are treated. Furthermore, the prominent women’s right’s activist, Susan B. Anthony, spoke against the stubborn views of women during the 1800s. She advocated the same voting rights to be granted to all people regardless of race or sex. Through speeches and protests, she attempted to persuade the American public to support her concepts. Equality for men and women was not a topic unheard of during the time, however, no one spoke out against what they believed in. Anthony was the first of her kind to actively deliver her opinion in the hopes of changing the government's policies. Through her nonconformist ideas, she helped shape the future of women’s rights. Without her ability to voice contrasting social views, major components concerning women in government would not be prevalent today. Without the works of these motivational speakers, important movements pertaining to the United States’ society would cease to exist.
Within the past century, the world has seen a drastic change in the advancements of technology.

While this era has helped improve several aspects of the world, it has also harmed a significant element in today’s society. The emerging generations are losing their connections with the natural world. A few decades ago, kids would have fun by playing outside with each other. Nowadays, parents buy their children handheld devices to provide entertainment, and fail to see how harmful they can be to a child’s health. Children lose the idea of what it means to have fun, and rely on a material possession for what should be coming from natural means. Statistics have shown the results of a lack of physical activity in a growing child is detrimental to their adult lives. Being active and in touch with nature provides a healthy lifestyle, and should be added to everyone’s routine. Moreover, obesity is a dilemma within the United States, and is a concern for a large portion of the population. More than one-third of adults in the United States are considered obese. The causes for such a statistic can all lead to losing touch with nature. Whether it is processed foods, transportation, or technology, they all stem from the idea of separating from nature. The more progressive the world becomes, the farther the relationship with the environment decays. Creating food through unnatural processes are harmful in the long run. The nature of man is to be outside and live in harmony with the Earth.

Although technological advancements helps society as a whole, it has damaged the relationship between civilization and the natural world.
Living in a unique society is what fabricates the world today.

Each and every person is different from one another, without variations within the population, society would be plain and monotonous. The original settlers of the United States believed in different concepts than those of the Church of England. Separatists, or Pilgrims, sought religious freedoms in the New World because of a lack of representation in the Church. Their ideas were ignored, thus angering the group. Their opinions on important religious matters did not sway the Church’s stubborn policies, however, this resulted in the settlement of North America. Without their contrasting views of religion, the foundation of the United States may have never been established. Similarly, Roger Williams played a prominent role in the building of colonial America. He was a Puritan settler that thought freely against religious ideals of the time. The Puritans were a group of people that did not allow differentiating thoughts concerning their religion, Roger Williams spoke out against what he believed to be wrong and suffered consequences. He was banished from the colony, however, he proceeded to establish his own. He settled Rhode Island, which was a safe haven for religious minorities and allowed the practice of different religions. Without his dissent from the Puritans, the American colonies may have never allowed the freedom of religion. Personal thoughts are one of the main distinguishing factors in people. The human

thought process is a fascinating concept in which no two people think the same way. New ideas are emerging every second, and free thoughts are what diversify humankind.
Transcendentalism is intertwined with multiple parts of society today. Many people take for granted what has been established in American culture through transcendentalist ideas. The major characteristics of the philosophy improved numerous aspects of society, and, with the ever changing world, transcendentalism has transformed the way people perceive mankind.