What Does Gura Influence Social Reform?

Philip F. Gura aims to point out the immense influence Transcendentalism had on social reform in the United States during the 1800s and the irony of this philosophy’s downfall. Gura’s perspective is that a true “brotherhood” could almost be obtained through Transcendentalism; yet it never happened. In this light, Gura speaks to the origination of Transcendentalism in American culture and the major people involved in its conception and expansion; as well as the major social reforms influenced by Transcendentalism.

First of all, Gura points out that America was ripe for a philosophy like Transcendentalism by stating it “seemed the ideal philosophy for a nation dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal and have the same inalienable rights” (Gura). Furthermore, Transcendentalism grew out of “the so-called Romantic movement applied democratic ideals to philosophy, religion,

literature, and the fine arts” (Tindall and Shi 271). This means that as some of the nation was moving towards following God, another group was moving towards intellectualism. Also, Gura goes so far as to say, “Transcendentalism’s roots were in American Christianity” (Gura). This is true, being that the majority of original Transcendentalism thinkers were themselves trained ministers; yet, rejected the Christian doctrine. In fact, American Eras points out, “They believed that divinity lay in man and nature, and so true religion meant seeking the divine in oneself and one's surroundings” (American Eras 310). This is contrary to the Scriptures; however, adoption was widely accepted and as Tindall and Shi state, “Transcendentalism during the 1830s became the most influential intellectual and spiritual force in American culture” (Tindall and Shi 395). Perhaps this is true because of the great thinkers behind the movement; such as Ralph Waldo Emerson whom Tindall and Shi say, “More than any other person, Ralph Waldo Emerson embodied the transcendentalist gospel” (Tindall and Shi 396).
Subsequently, Gura points out the major social reforms that were energized through Transcendentalism leaders like Emerson, Henry David Thoreau, George Ripley and Margaret Fuller.

Emerson hoped to escape “the trappings of the illusory world and discover the godliness of the inner self” (Gale Contextual Encyclopedia of American Literature 491) and was best known for his repeated use of the phrase "trust thyself" (Galens, Smith, Thomason 250). Thoreau saw Nature as a “living Bible” (Tindall and Shi 398). Ripely opened the Brook Farm (Gura) and Margaret Fuller the best advocate of women’s rights. Furthermore, everyone except Emerson, believed that society would be better if everyone was treated with equality. To this means, Gura says they believed even,

The impoverished, the mentally and physically challenged, the imprisoned and those otherwise institutionalized, and the enslaved: Transcendentalists recognized these members of society as their equals in spirituality, and America’s promise would not be fulfilled until the benefits of its citizenship were available to all

(Gura).
This belief gave birth to socialism. For example, Gura points out “Transcendentalists were similarly swept up in this fervor, believing slavery the great evil to be extinguished before all others” (Guar). Similarly to the Second Great Awakening that included women and Black Americans, Transcendentalists made large social reforms by treating everyone equally and with dignity. All in all, Gura points out that “By the 1870s, the uneasy balance between the self and society that had characterized the antebellum phase of the Transcendental movement tipped irrevocably in the direction of the self” (Gura). Primarily, Emerson was the one who split the party in two. Some feared Emerson’s “ego-theism” would ruin society (Guar); however, it was the majority.
In conclusion, Philip F. Gura gives an accurate summation of Transcendentalism and the social reforms that grew out of the movement. Gura does so by explaining the roots of Transcendentalism, it's leaders and their beliefs that gave birth to Socialism in the United States. Transcendentalism should be applauded in the attempt to treat people as equal; however their reasoning failed them. The main reason for their failure to sustain their movement is a flawed belief system. Any notion of looking within or attempting to better one’s devoid of God fails. As the prophet Jeremiah said, “The human heart is the most deceitful of all things, and desperately wicked. Who really knows how bad it is?” (Jeremiah 17:9). In other words, humans do not have the ability to perfect themselves apart from God’s grace. Therefore, there are things people to day can learn from Transcendentalism of the 1800s. Acceptance and service of all people is important, yet without the Gospel taking root in hearts and lives, it will not last.