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Similarities and differences between Emerson and Thoreau
American ideal of individualism
Similarities and differences between Emerson and Thoreau
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Emerson and Thoreau were good writers and they got different idea to explain and make people understand , Emerson was born in 1803-1882. His first book published was” nature” which he express about man and the nature whereas Thoreau was born in 1817-1862 both of them lived in Massachusetts and studied in Harvard and later became friend both of them were writers and critics. Before the American culture was highly influenced by European culture, The comparison between Emerson and Thoreau represent American Identity and both of them are consider as best writers during that time because through their books people gets inspired they tried to talk about self reliance, individualism where it connects with the similarities and differences between …show more content…
He observe self reliance by his physical action. He has done experiment to see if people could live individual and how could society controls people and he fully believed that inorder to get self reliance we must give up our enjoyment and must do everything by ourself inorder to make use of our courage and ideas. His main mission was on to teach about individual, to let know people about such ideas, According to Thoreau, 2007 states “ was very tight on money and used as little as possible” He don’t wanted to spend lavishly instead wanted to save it and can achieve self reliance because he is looking forward in life with good understanding. He tried to change the living life he believed that looks is not important protecting ourself and to work hard ourself to achieve self reliance is most important in our life.Thoreau and Emerson had different idea about how to achieve self reliance and got different technique to achieve self reliance. The example of self reliance are that if we are we are depending on one self we could get through our ways because we are stick wid our own idea so it gives us courages and ,make us feel more determinant towards our …show more content…
Emerson and Thoreau were among founders of transcendentalism in Americian literature both the writer gave important on soul and nature. According to Emerson, 1837 He sates that, “The world is nothing,the man is all; in yourself is the law of all nature” because man and nature are interconnected with one another and he tried to make simple ways to understand about man and nature. The common in Emerson was self reliance and civil disobedience. Thoreau believed in civil disobendience. He break the law and didn’t pay the taxes as for going against the laws and government he was jailed and he was ever ready to go in. civil disobedience was fact that inorder to be and individual that one must know followers. Both believed that they are especially responsible for themselves and should ask any help from the nation the way they shows idea to the people and through their books it shows Americian identity by the
Henry David Thoreau also used a personal tone to express his optimism for mankind. He wrote to critique the public, but more so to encourage readers to enlighten themselves and change for the better. He is often more uplifting and idealistic than Emerson. Thoreau also had a more practical outlook than Emerson. Likewise, his style is more casual than the other writers.
Transcendentalists Thoreau and Emerson conveyed strong, specific viewpoints on the world through their writing. The transcendentalist ideals differ vastly with the lives lived by most of the modern world today. Firstly, the two differ on views of self-reliance. Secondly, they have different outlooks on the government and organized groups. Lastly, transcendentalist and modern American views vary by the way they view nature. These differences between transcendentalism and life today are essential in understanding life then, as well as life now.
To conclude, Thoreau believed that people should be ruled by conscience and that people should fight against injustice through non-violence according to “Civil Disobedience.” Besides, he believed that we should simplify our lives and take some time to learn our essence in the nature. Moreover, he deemed that tradition and money were unimportant as he demonstrated in his book, Walden. I suggested that people should learn from Thoreau to live deliberately and spend more time to go to the nature instead of watching television, playing computer games, and among other things, such that we could discover who we were and be endeavored to build foundations on our dreams.
Emerson, Ralph. "Self-Reliance." The American Tradition in Literature. Eighth Edition. Ed. George Perkins. New York. McGraw-Hill, Inc., 1994.
Essay question: Compare and contrast the relationship between man and nature in Emerson and Thoreau.
Emerson’s idea of self- reliance is different from similar to the common use of the term (take care of your own needs and don’t depend on others outside yourself) Emerson’s idea is similar because the words “self- reliant” is saying take care of your own. When your self reliant or taking care of your own you are dependent and not relying on other people. His idea is different because “self- reliant” is a more sophisticated way of saying “I can hold my own” and or “I can take care of myself.”
...have the capacity to be self-regulating and independent. This is seen in the first chapter, when he states, “Public opinion is a weak tyrant compared with our own private opinions” (p.10). From this, one is able to see Thoreau’s desire to limit the power of states and he guarantees freedom and equality for all the citizens living in a state.
Throughout the essay from Walden by Henry David Thoreau he often refers to self reliance and simplicity throughout the essay. He believes that its important for an individual to live independently from
He writes, “all things real are so by so much virtue as they contain.” Emerson says that things that are unique and individual are real, so therefore people who are mere imitations of society are neither unique nor individual. This makes it impossible for them to have distinct characteristics and qualities. A person with greater self reliance, Emerson’s goal for society, is an individual who brings value to themselves and others. In his closing paragraph, Emerson drives the final point home in his case for self-reliance. “Nothing can bring you peace but yourself. Nothing can bring you peace but the triumph of principles.” The major goal in life is seen as being at peace with oneself, a goal nearly impossible if one is an imitation of someone else. Becoming self reliant is not so simple as making a single decision, it is a journey. Emerson provides crucial explanation and motivation for one to become self-reliant, and leaves it to the reader to take this goal upon
Emerson, Ralph Waldo. "Self-Reliance." World of Ideas 8e I-claim. Boston: Bedford/st Martins, 2009. 256-67. Print.
While Emerson and Thoreau certainly have difference of opinions, they recognize the need for public discussion and discourse. Emerson declares “a foolish consistency” to be “the hobgoblin of little minds” (Emerson 367). This is shown in their essays “Self-Reliance” and “Civil Disobedience” in which they support individuality and personal expression. Despite their contrasting views of society and government, the two most prominent transcendentalists in literary history share a passionate belief in the necessity that every American must exercise their constitutional rights and make known their views even and especially if it challenges the status quo.
... God. Self-reliance is the idea of individuality and making decisions for oneself. In turn, creating a more highbrow society is achieved through self-reliance and the belief in intellectual distinction. Finally becoming closer to God allows one to realize they are just a small part of even greater concept. Thoreau, Emerson, and Whitman showed that intellect is the most important aspect of their works and they believe everyone should pursue these three facets of living.
In “Self Reliance” by Ralph Waldo Emerson, he promotes the importance of self reliance as an individual, and in society. Individuality to Emerson Opposed the traditional ideas of society, and to him it meant to oppose the conformity and consistency in society. He believes that the majority of people have given up their self reliance because of their fear of judgement by society. To be an individual, Emerson stresses that one has to be a risk taker, and disregard all things external.
In order to understand any comparison of the two author's one must first read and comprehend that Emerson's writing are clearly an instruction manual that Whitman adopts in order to become an outstanding poet. Emerson believes we must,
Emerson and Thoreau both were good writers and studied at the same college and both of them used a different technique to express their ideas and thoughts to the people. Emerson was born in 1803-1882, he lives in Massachusetts and studied at Harvard. He met Wordsworth, Coleridge and Carlye in England in 1883 and he was known for challenging traditional thoughts after he published his first book called “Nature” which is the best expression of his transcendentalism. Thoreau was born in 1817-1862. He lived in Massachusetts and studied at Harvard.