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"If we do not get out sleepers, and forge rails, and devote days and nights to the work, but go to tinkering upon our lives to improve them, who will build railroads? And if railroads are not built, how shall we get to heaven in season? But if we stay at home and mind our business, who will want railroads? We do not ride on the railroad; it rides upon us."

This quote reflects the idea that modern society is self-perpetuating and exists only for itself.

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"A single farmhouse which I had not seen before is sometimes as good as the dominions of the King of Dahomey."

This quote symbolizes the importance of little things in life, such as the simple beauty in a farmhouse.

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"His intercourse with heaven and earth, becomes part of his daily food. In the presence of nature, a wild delight runs through the man, in spite of real sorrows."

This quote shows the importance of connecting with nature in order to heal "real sorrows."

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"The world thus exists to the soul to satisfy the desire of beauty. This element I call an ultimate end. No reason can be asked or given why the soul seeks beauty. Beauty, in its largest and profoundest sense, is one expression for the universe."

This quote analyzes the relationship between the existence and the desire of beauty in the man. One does not cause the other, it is natural and mutually beneficial.

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"What I must do is all that concerns me, not what the people think. . . It is easy in the world to live after the world's opinion; it is easy in solitude to live after our own, but the great man is he who in the midst of the crowd keeps with perfect sweetness the independence of solitude."

This quote shows the importance of the self and knowing your purpose  in life, not caring about judgmental society.

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Though the poem isn't new to any of us, I haven't spent time in really any poem analyzing and understanding the content. The more poems, like Whitman's, that I read the more I appreciate its lyricality and meaning stand out. The movie Dead Poet Society has been one of my favorite movies of all time for this.

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This scene was the most striking element of the movie that connects to transcendentalism because it is when Todd Anderson realized his (and everyone's) natural gift of poetry.

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It really is impossible for anyone to know that their purpose in life will be, until they've already lived it. Their verse can only be witnessed after it is finished. Life should be a journey of striving to fulfill that purpose, but only you can really discover what you are meant to do. My only hope is that I will contribute to the world positively, whatever that may be. If everyone's goal was to make a positive impact, overall the world would be a much better place. Striving for that is my verse, as should humanity's struggle.

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The absence of meaning
They live their lives full of longing
No future, no path, no direction
One's goal is to get by
To survive

There is no appreciation
No tribute to elegance and beauty
They live too fast
Lost in a maze
Of their own doing

The cycle must be broken
To live once again
To live, to thrive and take delight
How can they realize their faults?
How can they grasp fulfillment?

The presence of meaning
Achieved through self-reflection
They must find their purpose
Strive for excellence
Escape the maze

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This song by the Eagles (one of the best bands, coming to SD March 3rd) talks about embracing nature, the desert, and stars with someone you love; the fifth tenet of Transcendentalism (return to nature and simplicity).

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The hashtag #nonconformity in the context above addresses tenets 2, 3, and 4 of core Transcendentalist values of individualism, rejection of the establishment, and touches women's standings.

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This is a picture of me at Hearst Castle, where I was able to enjoy seeing insane architecture and art and appreciate the beauty of the work that was put into the final product.

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This picture is of me after a hike and reaching the top of a mountain. It shows me embracing my accomplishment and literally feeling on top of the world, a reflection of individualism.

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This picture is of Ryan and me, who challenged me to go mountain biking with him. It reflects the 1st principle of seeking truth because I was not sure I was going to be able to keep up, but I was able to test my limits and discover for myself what I can do.

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This picture shows the interconnectedness that we all rely on that leads to dependency on others, against ideas of individuality and Transcendentalism.

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Through spending time in nature you can improve your life and inspire others to be more individualistic.