Using Transcendentalist Ideas on High School Students

Transcendentalism, a philosophy that began in the 19th century, advocates that humans are naturally good and all individuals have potential. In high school, developing into a unique and self-assured person can be a difficult task. Students feel the need to be accepted by their peers and standing out against the crowd can be difficult. Students should be exposed to transcendentalist ideas would be able to fight this battle and leave high school unscathed. Many argue that transcendentalist beliefs cause problems as students cannot think for themselves at a young age. However, students who do not think for themselves while in high school will never develop the ability to think for themselves. The morals and beliefs of a student should not be handed to them on a silver platter the way there are in realist teachings. Instead, they must discover and test their beliefs. Although some argue transcendentalism would cause students to rebel, students in high school should embrace transcendentalist ideas as students would be more likely to believe in their capabilities, rely less on the opinion of others, and find their own way of thinking.

High schools should prepare students for the world after high school by encouraging belief in transcendentalism, which will allow students to hold a strong confidence in their abilities. In high school, students find it difficult to achieve their goals, lacking the belief of potential in all individuals. Transcendental beliefs support the idea that each has undiscovered potential. Accepting this idea will allow students to venture out. As Ralph Waldo Emerson, the founder of transcendentalism believed, those who can understand themselves and live their life while maintaining the philosophy of “Trust[ing] ...

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...deas should be introduced in high school. Those who may disagree and state students should not be forming their beliefs in high school, but an individual’s beliefs should constantly be changing as they go through new experiences in life. One cannot have an established set of morals. It is important to examine what you believe in and the values you choose to hold.

Student who embrace transcendentalism and can believe in their capabilities, choose not to conform, and examine their belief system and ways of thinking throughout high school will be more successful throughout the rest of their lives. Society can be the most destructive thing during high school and embracing transcendentalism would allow student to form and accept their unique identity. The formation of unique beliefs and ability to be outspoken with opinions is necessary for all high school students.