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During this time period in America, coverture was in law - wives were under their husbands and were not truly considered citizens in their rights. In the Declaration of Sentiments, the concept of breaking away from their [the wives] husband's control and having laws around their own property is a part of individualism. The ideas of coverture are conveyed in the declaration as, "He has made her, if married, in the eye of the law, civically dead," and, "...he has taxed her to support a government which recognizes her only when her property can be made profitable to it" (Stanton, 8,13). The wives want to break away from this oppressive regime and have a life of their own. Women started to want individualism and have their own rights outside of men. This was an important time because getting women seen as equal to men would help America gets it dream of true 'freedom' and started a progressive culture in America.

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Idealism connects with Transcendentalism by women wanting to be able to have the same rights as men do, including putting their ideas out into the world. In Women in the Nineteenth Century, Fuller writes, “By writing and lending little treaties, intended to mark out with precision the limits of Woman’s sphere, and Woman’s mission, to prevent other than the rightful shepherd from climbing the wall, or flock from using any chance to go astray.” (610). Women had the idea that they were supposed to be Republican mothers, which meant that men did work and the women stayed at home nourishing the children and making it possible for men to have jobs. Women were supposed to be true women which limited the rights that women could have, they were supposed to be pious, pure, submissive to their husbands, and take care of family needs. But even though women were sought to be like this, this was not the idea they wanted to accomplish. Women wanted to be able to own property without the say of their husbands, get an education, or even just receive fair treatment and be recognized for their work. Transcendentalism connects with the ideas of women because they had their thoughts about what they wanted, but those dreams were being written off by the ideas of men.

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In Transcendental America spirituality was a much bigger factor in getting women, and their work, appreciated. Women during this time were held down by laws that forbade them from having many rights & no representation. Yet, women still found ways to converse and have a say outside of the home - which was in the church. Using what they preached & learned in the church women were very much able to point out the hypocrisy in their rights to the institution. In 'Women in the Nineteenth Century' by Margaret Fuller, she points out that, "...if the woman be a soul, apparelled in flesh to one Master only are they accountable. There is but one law for souls, and, if there is to be an interpreter of it, he must come not as man, or son of man, but as son of God (pg. 613). Fuller states that if women have souls and a place in the church, like men, then to God's law they should be held accountable. She is saying that women should be held accountable like men and have rights like men, and they should only follow the law of God - not one written by men who have no connection to God. This is major for women who had only been represented by men who don't interpret 'God' or the Bible in favor of women. Fuller wants women to be held to the same rights and laws as men, and she uses God/spirituality to put that boundary in the men's court.

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In Transcendentalism man and nature are almost always connected and intertwined. With the idea being that man and nature fulfill one another. Both work hand-in-hand to create 'power/force' (to apply to one another). In Nature by Ralph Waldo Emerson, he states, "His [man's] relation to nature, his power over it, is through the understanding as by manure..." (par.5). Emerson then goes on to describe what this 'manure' could be: fire, wind water, steam, coal, chemical agriculture, repairs of the human body. It's inclined to think that manure is used more as a definition of earth's organic matter rather than fertilizer. What Waldo is mentioning is the idea that nature can provide what man needs to succeed and thrive - and that is how they work hand in hand. How nature is so valuable, how it encapsulates so much of what man is today, and yet man must fulfill the other half of the invention to create civilization. This also ties into the Transcdenilist idea that men, once they, go on to fill nature once again, leading into how men become organic waste for nature to continue to live & give.

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Transcendentalism encouraged "spiritual growth" by creating doubt about God in society. Transcendentalism claims that nature and introspection is truth. In NATURE by Ralph Waldo Emerson he says "the currents of Universal Being circulate through me; I am a part or parcel of God." (pg 1)Transcendentalism creates the idea that you grow spiritually when you live by your own truths. Emerson also writes in Self-Reliance that what is true for you is true for everyone, and when people truths contradict each other, and contradict the Bible, it creates spiritual and moral confusion.

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During the high tide of Transcendentalism, Ralph Waldo Emerson was a prominent voice. Emerson talked a lot about Self-reliance, but he also talked a lot about man's connection with nature. In Nature, he says: "I am the lover of uncontained and immortal beauty. In the wilderness, I find something more dear and connate than in the streets of the village." This simple quote really encompasses Emerson's feelings about the great outdoors and how deeply he feels that a connection with nature is important for life.

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The concept of individualism was accepted and grew exponentially in the unique time of transcendentalism, and this applied to multiple places in daily life. Women, who previously didn't have much say in decisions and government, were encouraged to think for themselves, and when they did, they decided to not just think for themselves, but speak change as well. Ralph Waldo Emerson praises the belief and action of thinking and questioning society in his excerpts from self-reliance. He writes in paragraph 9 of his excerpt that, "What I must do is all that concerns me, not what the people think...the great man is he who in the midst of the crowd keeps with perfect sweetness the independence of solitude" (Emerson 3). Ralph Waldo Emerson proclaims that true knowledge and greatness come from individual thinking, and from the separation of society and your mind, so that you may generate unique and original thoughts.

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During this time, women struggled to find their voice. They were tired of the inequality they felt with men. They weren’t given “permission” to speak. In the Declaration of Sentiments, Elizabeth Cady Stanton highlights the oppression they had been facing from man: “He has compelled her to submit to laws, in the formation of which she had no voice. He has withheld her from rights…he has oppressed her on all sides”. As Stanton mentioned, women weren’t able to be individuals because essentially they had no voice, no life other than the one ruled by men. Margaret Fuller also wrote to get the world to see the freedoms women were without: “‘Am I not the head of my house?’ ‘You are not the head of your wife. God has given her a mind of her own.’ ‘I am the head, and she the heart’”. Women Like Fuller and Stanton were beginning to rise and write to gain the rights they deserved to be independent people and thinkers.

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Ralph Waldo Emerson writes in NATURE, "Yet it is certain that the power to produce this delight does not reside in nature, but in man, or in a harmony of both." (pg 1) Transcendentalism proposes the idea that humans and nature together define truth. Transcendentalism alludes to the fact that looking to nature will lead to discovery and peace. Emerson says in paragraph 7 of Self-Reliance, "No law can be scared to me, but that of my nature." He's claiming that nature will remain his moral example over any law or expectation in place.

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Transcendentalism is a philosophical thought that takes nature(both man and the world) and deifies it. Ralph Waldo Emerson writes in Self-Reliance that "no law can be more sacred to me but that of my nature". It's clear from this quote Emerson takes the position that his nature is above everything else in the world and he displays a certain reverence for it. In order to fully understand Emerson's intentions with this statement, however, we have to be clear with the definition of nature, specifically man's nature seeing as that is what's referenced here. Emerson states in paragraph two of self-reliance: “Trust thyself: every heart vibrates to that iron string. Accept the place the divine providence has found for you, the society of your contemporaries.” Emerson lays out two keys to understanding man’s nature. One being to trust yourself and the power in your own abilities, and the other to understand that that power is based on others. Your nature as a human is powerful because of both divine providence and because your understanding is shared with everyone.

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The idea that Nature and Transcendentalism work together, closely relay the ideas that we are from nature and come from its sense of beauty and are under its power. In Ralph Waldo Emerson’s excerpt from Nature state: “The lover of nature is he whose inward and outward senses are still truly adjusted to each other; who has retained the spirit of infancy even into the era of manhood” (1). Emerson is talking about how when we are almost one with nature, we can separate ourselves from society and live in a world free of the thoughts society has placed on us. We are able to look around and see the beautiful nature and our inner childlike sense that allows us to detach ourselves from everyone around us. The idea of transcendentalism and our ability to form our own thoughts free from the material world and allowing us to focus on our inner spiritual mind.

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Spirituality through transcendentalism isn’t the type of spirituality we are used to as Christians. In Self-Reliance, Ralph Waldo Emerson wrote about the spirit of mankind, essentially making people their own gods: “What is true for you in your private heart is true for all men–that is genius”. He argued that we have the ability to think and speak for ourselves, and our truths are objective for all mankind. In Nature, Emerson continues this idea when he states: “I am part or parcel of God”. He made the statement that man is God, but that’s not true. His thoughts on spirituality were read by many people, and his ideas were influential for that time.

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In Self Reliance by Ralph Waldo Emerson he states, "These are the voices which we hear in solitude, but they grow faint and inaudible as we enter into the world."(Emerson 2). The transcendental idea of Individualism is evident in Emersons writings because he is showing the effects of not having it. Without having time to think for yourself, you get drowned out by the world. If we let our minds be filled with the world, out inner ideas will be slowly forgotten. He is warning us to not forget about our voices when we go out into the world. "you will always find those who think they know what is your duty better than you know it. It is easy to live in the world to live after the world's opinion."(Emerson 3). Others may think they know what's best for you, but in the crowd you should keep your independence and stick to your beleifs.

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In Margaret Fuller's Women in the Nineteenth Century, she really hammers home the idea of individualism, especially as it applies to women. In the opening paragraph, she establishes this idea by saying: "Here, as elsewhere, the gain of creation consists always in the growth of individual mind, which live and aspire, as flowers bloom and birds sing..." Fuller puts it beautifully when she says "...the gain of creation consists always in the growth of individual minds..." this is true when talking about artistic creation and even God's creation. The beauty of artistic creation lies in the fact that you get a glimpse through someone else's eyes and what makes that special is their individuality. As for God's creation, the best way we can glorify Him is by embracing the individual personality He has given each of us.

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During the transcendentalism period in America, the community and people started to unintentionally push back from religion as they chose to idolize themselves and their own opinions. In Self-Reliance, Ralph Emerson states: “I will seek my own. I do this not selfishly, but humbly and truly.”(7). As he writes, it’s obvious that he puts all of his trust into himself and the experiences that have affected him, he basically refers to himself as the ultimate decision maker of his life. This thought process is very common during the transcendental movement as people tried to find their own identity in themselves and practically made themselves their own gods. This is essentially what started the further resistance against religion.

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The movement of transcendentalism largely promoted a spirit of individualism. In Nature, Ralph Waldo Emerson wrote: “Build therefore your own world. As fast as you conform your life to the pure ideas in your mind, that will unfold its great proportions.” (161) Emerson goes on to speak of the greatness of certain peoples’ lives such as Adam and Caesar, and he expressed his belief that all lives can be just as important because what matters is not the circumstances, but rather what is inside each individual. These ideas assert an attitude of blocking out the outside world and only focusing on valuing the individual mind which accurately identifies a spirit of individualism.

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We all come from differing backgrounds and life experiences that make us the people we are today. Ultimately we are the byproducts of the society/environment we have been placed in. I’d like to recollect a quote from the excerpt from Nature, “and occult relation between man and the vegetable.” Although at first glance this may seem like a silly quote when we really take a look at it from a different angle, what transcendentalism is all about, we see the different meaning. The whole point of transcendentalism is opposing the social norms that are placed upon us by the world. We tend to just follow along mindlessly, not really thinking for ourselves. It takes someone like the vegetable to be just a little different and present itself with a new outlook for the world to experience the change it needs.

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The controversial philosophy of women gaining more power in the Nineteenth century brought upon an uprising of Individualism towards women relying on their own intellectual thoughts and not conforming to the idealistic standards that they refuse to be held to. According to Women in the 19th century, Margaret Fuller stated: “Though there has been a growing liberality on this subject, yet society at large is not so prepared for the demands of this party, but that its members are, and will be for some time, coldly regarded as the Jacobins of their day” (Fuller 3). While an expanding liberality was being introduced, society was unsure of how it felt of new ideas being brought into the picture. Things were how they wanted them to be, and changing it would only cause disharmony. Especially in the social reform movement happening in the 1820s, women began to challenge the status quo and demand the bare minimum with their rights, which wasn’t always popular even as acceptance of Transcendentalism was being embraced. Women as a whole were more than ready to hit the ground running, bringing these new questions into the argument and braving society's opinion; however, society was not prepared to be challenged.

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The biggest opposition transcendentalism is presented with, is based on the fact it “opposes religion.” However I’d like to argue that they don’t understand the true definition of society. Society is the way of the world. In Romans 12:2 “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind…” This claim supports that the world isn’t the baseline of religion. Instead through transcendentalism we are able to take a different path than that of society. Accepting the differences that should be evident if we call ourselves Christians, rather than conformity to present social norms. The quote “cannot have a great deal of mind who cannot afford to let the larger party lie fallow.” In Margaret Fuller’s Woman in the Nineteenth Century really supports this.

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Within this period of growth in America, the importance of individualistic thinking took form, allowing the development of positive reforms. While transcendentalism was on an uprise, these principles encouraged individualism, specifically having a role during the Women's Rights Movement. Women such as Margot Fuller write on this very idea of women thinking for themselves, rather than following behind.  Waldo Emerson continues with the theme of true greatness being produced by individualism; “Whose would be a man must be a nonconformist. He who would gather immortal palms  must not be hindered by the name of goodness (excerpt 7).”  Emerson views this essential to the encouragement of personal growth in hopes of resisting the pressures of societal conformity. He then furthers this by explaining nonconformity as a commitment to self-trust, in hopes of rejecting societal norms.

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According to the original minds who created this idea of Transcendentalism, our society had lost its sense of individuality and independence. We had begun to form a mob of un-differentiating people who all shared the same thoughts, beliefs, opinions, and who all practiced “too traditional” societal practices. It also gave individuals the bravery and willingness to look inside themselves to access their own truths. Ralph Waldo Emerson states, “Build therefore your own world. As fast as you conform your life to the pure idea in your mind, that will unfold its great proportions…”. Emerson was one of the most influential Transcendental writers. He hints at the idea of finding truth within yourself- with the right amount of inner reflection and searching. However, I would argue that Transcendentalism did the opposite of promoting individualism. While it did encourage people to stand out against their traditional ways of thinking, it simultaneously created a cycle of people attempting to be “unique”. In Self-Reliance Emerson states, “Their works are done as an apology or extenuation of their living in the world… For nonconformity the world whips you with its displeasure.”. Transcendentalism pushed people to step out in order to remain within society to a point in which the new “societal norm” was to be different. It makes one believe that in order to continue to be accepted, they must also be different- just like everyone else. It creates an endless cycle of creating new societal norms, which is exactly what Transcendentalism sought to escape.

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Women in the 19th century by Margaret Fuller, she uses transcendental idea of spirituality to prove that women are equals. "All made in the likeness of the One."(Fuller 2). "God has given a mind of her own."(Fuller 3). The women had lots of time on their hands around this time due to new industrial developments. This encouraged more internal thinking. Transcendentalism is the inner thinking of a person and ideas outside of what is already normal. These women knew that all were made in Gods image and that they were given a mind to think by Him. They used this spiritual aspect to back up their fight for equality.

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One pillar in transcendental thought is the concept of nature as a divinity. In an excerpt from Nature, Ralph Waldo Emerson supports this claim by describing the pleasurable feeling he gets when he is exposed to nature. “In the presence of nature a wild delight runs through the man, in spite of real sorrows.” In saying this, Emerson is unintentionally acknowledging God’s hand in creation. We know that the bible says God’s attributes are displayed in his creation. Of course anything that displays God's creation is enjoyable to man. Transcendentalism puts too much emphasis on creation, even above its creator. This concept places men, nature, and the human experience as god, leaving crucial questions unanswered. The idea of transcendentalism is about finding meaning through introspection yet it lacks depth because it ignores the creator of our minds.

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Everyday things around us tend to be overlooked. If we take a second to acknowledge the deeper meaning, we can look deep enough to see just a glimpse of the world God has created. Examining the quote, “What is a woman? What is a child? What is sleep? To our blindness, these things seem unaffecting.” Taken from the Excerpt of Nature. Although these things don’t specifically talk about nature we can look at them through a different lens. All of which are parts of God’s creation that we are able to look at with deeper meaning rather than that of a societal “first glance.” The world tends to overlook the little things and just conform to those around them. So focused on what others are doing and following along they can’t take a second to glance at the wonders around them and think about them so deeply as a transcendentalist would.

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Nature by Ralph Waldo Emerson tells "The greatest delight which the fields and woods minister is the suggestion of an occult relation between man and the vegetable. I am not alone and unacknowledged."(Emerson 1). Being in nature ignites his brain. He feels as though he is one with nature. His transcendental ideas can flow when he is in nature. You are connected to something bigger than yourself. "He whose inward and outward senses are still truly adjusted to each other; who has retained the spirit of infancy even into the era of manhood." He can retain his childlike innocence and not loose it to the world by being able to connect with that around him.

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The ideas of individualism place an importance on the individuals self beliefs and virtues, and the personal independence of man.  Ralph Waldo Emerson writes in Self-Reliance “To believe your own thought, to believe that what is true for you in your private heart is true for all men—that is genius” (1). The ideas written about in Self-Reliance support the ideas of transcendentalism and individualism. Emerson says that empowerment of the individual helps them grow and is genius. To think your own thoughts and believe what is true for you is the ultimate growth for an individual.

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Transcendentalism and Spirituality are very closely related. While transcendentalism might not directly be influenced by Christian ideals, the idea of transcendentalism was one where there was growth, in the mind and spiritual mind of the individual. Often people think transcendentalism was encouraging subjective truths, it was not. Emerson recognizes that God is most likely the higher authority, and states in Self-Reliance:  “To believe that what is true for you in your private heart is true for all men… Trust thyself: every heart vibrates to that iron string” (1). Emerson is saying that there is universal truth, and in that, we have the free will and ability to think for ourselves and that every mans heart knows what is true and should be able to discern for thyself what is good for them based off of those universal truths. He is saying this in the sense that peoples thoughts are conforming to the ways of the world and those might not be spiritual and building of ones mind. Emerson doesn’t directly reflect Christianity in his writings, but it is still good to think about what he has to say, and look at how we can use the ideas of transcendentalism to grow spiritually.

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Nature greatly corresponds to the transcendental movement as many people seek to find quiet and solitude in order to understand their own ideas and thought process. Ralph Emerson explains this idea in the excerpt from NATURE: "Yet it is certain that the power to produce this delight does not reside in nature, but in man, or in a harmony of both.” (page 1) He writes about how nature and dwelling in your human thoughts allows you to provide clear and innovative ideas. This movement is about the change in societal norms, and in order to pursue that you must be able to understand what you solely believe in. Creating this balance between spending time in nature and contimplating positions in a peaceful environment further speeds up the movement.

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Individualism is a key idea used in the transcendental era as people are deciphering their own positions and relying on themselves for answers. In Self-Reliance by Emerson, he provides this idea that no outside ideas should waiver his thoughts: “What I must do is all that concerns me, not what the people think.”(page 3) He is trying to prove to others that he is his own authority, he makes his own choices, and others opinions have no effect on him. Emerson however, is not the only one who has this mindset, but most of the society do as well. This Idea of individualism also takes away this from the idea that God has full power, but instead giving all the power to the individual.

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The beauty and introspective capabilities of nature are intertwined with the truths relevant to every man’s own heart- according to Transcendentalism. This concept claims that in order to access the individual beauty and power of man, one must look to nature. It can provide answers and a sense of serenity that surpasses that which society provides. In an excerpt from Nature by Ralph Waldo Emerson, he states, “In the tranquil landscape, and especially in the distant line of the horizon, man beholds something as beautiful as his own nature.”. Nature and Man are two incredibly differing things; however, they are connected in their inherent beauty and inclinations. Emerson especially believes that in order to fully understand yourself, you must look outward to see the reflections of your inner beings. Additionally, Margaret Fuller expresses, “... the gain of creation consists always in the growth of individual minds, which live and aspire as flowers bloom and birds sing… and in the continual development of that thought, the thought of human destiny…”. Creation gains as man improves. However, in order to improve ourselves, we must first understand ourselves and the power and truth which we contain. I disagree with these ideas of transcendentalism. The “power and truth” contained within one's own heart is faulty and invalid. God is the creator of all and He is the author of truth. Who are we to say that we contain our own power when there is a God who is capable of creating an entire, intricate universe out of his breath?

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In regards to self reliance being connected in a spiritual sense, I believe that it takes away the spiritual nature of our existence completely. While relying on our self, our own nature, we aren't relying on a higher power to provide us with wisdom and ideas, we are only relying on what our souls cannot contain. As Christians, we believe in an objective truth, right? But while utilizing an idea of subjective truth, the objective truth is disregarded. It gives you your own right to justify your actions and to believe in something deeper than yourself. In the excerpt from Nature, Ralph Waldo Emerson includes “vespertina cognitio”, which is the knowledge of man: wisdom and awareness. Where is that wisdom and awareness coming from? It's from something that Ralph cannot explain, nor man. In Proverbs, wisdom is talked about heavily. 1:7 states: “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge”. This shows that instead of Ralph claiming that the man's knowledge is vespertina cognitio, he should be giving the credit to a higher power, God, and not man's personal knowledge or intuition. In Self Reliance, Ralph states: “Every spirit builds itself a house and beyond its house a world and beyond its world a heaven. Know then that the world exists for you”(Ralph 4). As Christians we know that God is our firm foundation, from the start, and we are incapable of accomplishing anything without him. Matthew 7:24 says: “Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on rock.” If we try to do anything within our own strength, our flesh will fail us. Transcendentalism focuses on the now, the personal intuition, and the individual strength; however, it doesn't focus on where it originates from.

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Transcendentalism allowed for a space for Christians to ask difficult questions in order to truly understand christianity for themselves. In doing this, simultaneously keeping their child-like nature of curiosity. Without allowing each individual to seek Jesus for themselves, it becomes difficult to truly have a personal relationship with the Lord if it's all based on religious societal pressures. Christianity is based on one's own individual walk with God, rather than a list of regulations, mixed with others opinions and personal convictions. While we should continually seek to follow the Lord and walk in His light, it's also important that we don't conform to the world's teachings; Romans 12:2 says “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind”.

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Transcendentalism promoted the idea that everyone was their own being. Though this was always true, the law did not always reflect that. With the growth of transcendentalism came the growth of the women's rights movement. Individualism became more widely accepted and it encouraged women to fight for their voices to be heard by society. Transcendentalism encouraged people to be introspective and it created more of a sense of individualism in people which led to social reform in America. Women were overshadowed by men under the law, in The Declaration of Sentiments says that “The history of mankind is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations on the part of the man towards women.” Transcendentalism brought about more individualism which helped to empower women to start creating change. However I don’t believe you can credit the transcendentalism movement with creating the boldness in women to find their voice. An idea created by a man was not the cause of their feminism, but it did push society to be more individualistic.

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During the transcendental movement, a lot of women began to see their world as it could be. This train of thought led to a vision of the ideal America blooming in their minds. In the Declaration of Sentiments, we see the women begin to express a desire to make this idea a reality when they say: "In entering upon the great work before us, we anticipate no small amount of misconception, misrepresentation, and ridicule; but we shall use every instrumentality within our power to effect our object." In seeking to make their dream of a truly equal America, they constantly keep in mind the fact that it will not be easy and yet they continue to push forward.

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Transendentalism was highly idealised.  It romantizized a society in which spiritualitic living was put on a pedestal.  It harped on the idea that by reconnecting with nature and letting go of common societal expectations we could obtain intellectual euphoria.  Nature, by Ralph Waldo Emerson explains this, by explaining the all encapsulation joy that can be found in a human's connection with nature and himself. “Yet it is certain that the power to produce this delight does not reside in nature, but in man, or in a harmony of both.” (nature).  If we can obtain a certain level of separation from societal normalcy and rely on the pure instinct of our human nature, then we can truly find peace and reach a higher level of intelligence. This idea is just that, it is severely unlikely to ever become a prominent practice and is wildly unrealistic in a society that is so closely rooted in Christianity.

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In Nature by Ralph Waldo Emerson, there is a connection between man and nature, but also the nature of man. He starts off his document by saying that few people can see nature. He argues that man has lost his ability to have childlike wonder: “The sun illuminates only the eye of the man, but shines into the eye and heart of the child (Emerson)”. Here he suggests that the nature of man hits a point where his childlike wonder disappears.

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Transcendentalism proposes the idea that nature and man are connected, which in a sense, I agree. I believe that they correlate in the way that God gave us nature to seek his creation and be in touch with the beauty and intricacies of nature as a whole. There is a tranquility to nature that everyone can agree on. It can be used as an escape from the noise of the world and to regain stability within the peace and quiet in the woods. Nature can help us love our Creator even more, while being in awe and reverence of the Lord and his magnificent character. However, in the excerpt from NATURE, Ralph Waldo Emerson uses God’s design and turns it to be contrary to His word or character. He mentions God, but then gives him no credit, or just points it back to the “goodness of man”. Ralph states: “In the tranquil landscape, and especially in the distant line of the horizon, man beholds somewhat as beautiful as his own nature” (Ralph 1). He had plenty of opportunities to prove who God is, yet he falsely brought it upon his own pride and man's pride. Without God, there is no nature. Without God, there is no man. Transcendentalism giving credit to man is not, and will never be, valid.

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Transcendentalism, a philosophical thought produced by Ralph Waldo Emerson, talked of self-reliance relating to ones own thoughts away from the society. Emerson also touches on the connection between man and nature; “Yet it is certain that the power to produce this delight does not reside in nature, but in man, or a harmony of both. It is necessary to use these pleasures to use these pleasures with great temperance"(except 2). He’s comparing men to nature but he acknowledges the fact that men have the intelligence to look within that for the betterment of the world.  Nature has the senses, but men have more intellect. Its important to rely own the knowledge each of us has been given while also still asking difficult questions and allow our child-like nature to still take form.

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Transcendentalism emphasizes the inherent goodness found when man connects with nature, and also seeks to help man understand that there are certain things that attempt to help us reconnect with nature. In Ralph Waldo Emerson’s excerpt from Nature, he writes: “man is a god in ruins… the world would be insane and rabid, if these disorganizations should last for hundreds of years. It is kept in check by death and infancy.” What Emerson is hoping to point out through this phrase is that the universe does not necessarily use death and infancy to make us hate the nature of the world. Emerson defines infancy as “the perpetual messiah”, meaning a baby is supposed to represent the constant renewal of innocence and divine potential, essentially acting as a continuous reminder of the pure state humans once had.

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In Transcendentalist America, people were starting to challenge the norms of society. Among these people were women. Women had been overshadowed by men up until this point in History, but they grew tired of it, and wanted to think of themselves and life more individually. In the Declaration of Sentiments it says: “He has made her, if married, in the eye of the law, civilly dead” (Declaration 1). Later it says, “In the covenant of marriage, she is compelled to promise obedience to her husband, he becoming, to all intents and purposes, her master” (Declaration 1). These quotes say that women were always at the mercy of men, especially if they were married. The use of the phrases “civilly dead” and “master” very powerfully imply that men overpowered and ruled over women in a degrading way and gave them no freedom to think for themselves. A third quote from the Declaration of Sentiments says: “He has denied her the facilities for obtaining a thorough education” (Declaration 1). This quote relays that desire that women want to be able to become educated and get jobs and live independently and for themselves. The desire for freedom and opportunity to break free from the oppressive rule of men and live for themselves that women expressed in this document is a perfect example of individualism. Independence and self-reliance were exactly what these women desired.

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Transcendentalism is a movement that pushed back on a Christian society. Many people adopted these ideals but they all were searching for truth which can only be found in the Bible. Ralph Waldo Emerson published self reliance which encourages leaning into your personal experience and transcend the world through introspective thought. Obviously, early American society was not above reproach. It had flaws and injustices like any other but I would argue that their struggles were not because the Bible is discriminatory but because of our human nature. Romans 7:14 “So the trouble is not with the law, for it is spiritual and good. The trouble is with me, for I am all too human, a slave to sin.”  What then is beneficial about leaning into our human nature to find truth when our nature is to be enslaved to sin?

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Transcendentalism is a spiritual philosophy that emphasizes intuition and the inherent spiritual desires instead of that which is material. It also believes in the idea that all people are inherently good and are only corrupted by society and what they are forced to believe and practice. According to Ralph Waldo Emerson, “To believe your own thought, to believe that what is true for you in your private heart is true for all men- that is genius.” (Emerson 1). I believe that I can fly; therefore, everyone else also believes that I can fly. In my opinion, that is what I understand Transcendentalism to be suggesting. That whatever I believe is “written on my heart” is in return true for all men before me and to come. Additionally, Margaret Fuller expands on this, “We feel that never were lungs so puffed with the wind of declamation, on moral and religious subjects, as now.” (Fuller 2). Transcendentalism brought about a period filled with emerging spiritual ideas- specifically, the idea of mankind finding their own universal truths within themselves. I disagree. Mankind is sinful and broken. We are hopeless people who fill our minds and actions with sin, anger, arrogance, lust, and so much more. How then, is it possible for us to find valid, spiritual truths within all of this wickedness? How can we expect goodness and beauty to come from such darkness and evil?

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Cooper

Nature was a large part of the transcendental movement and demonstrated separate, individualistic, and self-reliant positions.  From the Excerpt Nature by Ralph Waldo Emerson, he displayed many aspects of this movement through nature, saying “I see all; the currents of the Universal Being circulate through me; I am part or parcel of God.” This is just a small section, where he portrays ideas of the lasting satisfaction nature provides, almost personifying it. He talks about the relationship man and nature have between each other, but all throughout I have to beg the question, does it last, will it fulfill, are you your own god etc… to which the answer is no. Nature is a good example of the creation of the one and only true God, and though it is amazing to enjoy God’s creation, it does not deserve our worship, and we cannot gain godlike qualities from it.

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Nature had never been fully appreciated by a lot of people until the transcendentalist movement, as a lot more people took time to bask in the tranquility of it and take that time to reflect. An appreciation of God's creation was one of the best things that came out of this movement, and led people away from only using nature as a resource to fuel industrial efforts. Ralph Waldo Emerson took it to an extreme, and believed that through meditation in Nature and spending time in naturalistic environments would allow you to unlock even more potential in yourself. He writes in his except from NATURE, "In the wilderness, I find something more dear and connate than in streets or villages. In the tranquil landscape, and especially in the distant line of the horizon, man beholds somewhat as beautiful as his own nature." (Nature 1). Emerson summarizes that by looking into the wonders of nature, you can learn about yourself as well, and that similarities and differences between those two are beautiful.

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Transcendentalism emphasizes individual intuition and individualism as the highest source of knowledge. In Self-Reliance, Ralph Waldo Emerson expresses: “They teach us to abide by our spontaneous impression with good-humored inflexibility then most when the whole cry of voices is on the other side.” (Emerson 1). Emerson urges individualism by telling us to stick to our gut feelings about what we believe, and not conform to society. Emerson challenges people to actually speak out on what they individually believe which is dramatically encouraged in the transcendentalism movement. Transcendentalism inspired Emerson to start encouraging people to be their own individual self and think for themselves.

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Transcendentalism challenges people to speak out on the norms and the set ideals of society. In The Cherokee Memorials, the Cherokee Council explains: “It remains to be proved, under a view of all these circumstances, and the knowledge we have of history how our right to self-government was affected and destroyed by the Declaration of Independence which has never noticed the subject of Cherokee sovereignty; and the treaty of peace.” (Cherokee Memorials 740). Idealism in American culture was influenced by the Declaration of Independence stating that all citizens have rights and freedoms; however, this document was never formally addressed to the Cherekkees. This made it so that the Indians never received sovereignty and self-governance which was promised to all citizens under the constitution.  With inspiration from the transcendentalism movement,  the Cherokee finally spoke out on the injustices of the idealism of America. Society pushes for the ideals that everyone gets equal rights, but they know that it excludes certain groups of people like the Cherokees.

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Transcendentalism encourages the spiritual over the material which influences the spiritual belief that you can experience the divine by connecting with nature and believing your intuition. In an excerpt from NATURE, Ralph Waldo explains: “I become a transparent eye-ball; I am nothing; I see all; the currents of the Universal Being circulate through me; I am part or parcel of God.” (Emerson 1). With the phrase “ I become a transparent eye-ball” he expresses that when someone is open to nature they can become someone that sees things without bias, and gains a sense of spiritual insight. He also states that he believes that he has part of god in him. He believes that when a mind is enlightened by nature it makes man become a god. Transcendentalism influenced Ralph to think of spirituality as a connection to nature and humans becoming their own god.

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Transcendentalism strongly discourages the christian faith, because it relies so heavily on trusting yourself, and finding your own truths, thus making yourself a god. I believe that it was one of the many ways that Satan attempted to dwindle with the notion of self-reliance, making us believe that we are a better god than God himself, and we don't need God to help us make decisions. In self-reliance, Ralph Emerson states: “I will seek my own. I do this not selfishly, but humbly and truly.” This resembles the early American notion that you can find happiness if you seek your own truth, and that is the only way that you will make any progress.

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Transcendentalism not only encourages the idea of personally connecting with your inner being, but also physically encouraging women to think for themselves, and figure out that they are just as much of a human being with rights as men. That philosophy promotes individualism.  Robert Fuller writes: "'Have you asked her whether she was satisfied with these indulgences?' 'No, but I know she is. She is too amiable to desire what would make me unhappy, and too judicious to wish to step beyond the sphere of her sex. I will never consent to have our peace disturbed by any such discussions”. This shows that women were viewed as a sort of object in early American society, and this did not biblically align with the way that men were supposed to be treating women. Transcendentalism opened the door for individualistic thinking in women, that gave them the power to speak up against the injustice they were being shown.

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Transcendentalism heavily connects to the idea of individuality in women during this time period. Women were not treated as though they were people and they did not have a platform to speak their minds on this topic. The transcendental movement was picked up by women and gave them the confidence to speak out about how they felt they were being treated by their husbands. In Declaration of Sentiments Elizabeth Cady Stanton writes about the multitude of different ways that women had been wronged by their husbands: “He has made her, if married, in the eye of the law, civilly dead. He has taken from her all right in property, even to the wages she earns” (Stanton). Stanton spoke on behalf of women during this time period on the topic of the rights they felt they were entitled to due to the fact that the movement of transcendentalism greatly pushed for the voice of women during this time.

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Transcendentalism was a concept that allowed for women to idealize the lives they wanted to live. They wished to be able to have their own rights and continued to push for equality among them and men. In Women in the Nineteenth Century Margaret Fuller makes a reference to the fact that because women have so little rights they are similar to that of a slave. Fuller writes ‘It may well be an Anti-Slavery party that pleads for Woman, if we consider merely that she does not hold property on equal terms with men; so that, if a husband dies without making a will, the wife, instead of taking at once his place as head of the family, inherits only a part of his fortune, often brought him by herself, as if she were a child, or ward only, not an equal partner” (610). The idealism born from transcendentalism very well may have been the concept that pushed Fuller to this line of thinking and be what caused her to realize how unjustly women were being treated.

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One of the grounding concepts for transcendentalism is nature. The idea of nature is heavily tied into the transcendental movement through the idea that nature captures the beauty and innocence within. Nature by Ralph Waldo Emerson helps to make this connection by speaking on the idea that only those who still possess their childlike innocence are able to truly understand people and their individuality: “The lover of nature is he whose inward and outward sense are still truly adjusted to each other; who has retained the spirit of infancy even into the era of manhood” (158). Emerson makes the point that an individual's “inward and outward senses” still being in tune with each other, similar to that of the nature of the earth, is the only thing that will allow them to understand nature and be free in thought.

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The concept of Transcendentalism is the idea that one can transcend societal norms through individual thought. Transcendentalism celebrates individualism in all forms and for all people. It idolizes one's personal conviction above all else. Ralph Waldo Emerson makes this claim in Self Reliance: "our first thought is rendered back to us by the trumpets of the Last Judgement." The implication here is that you can attain salvation by means of your own thought.

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Early America before Transcendentalism was built on Christian principles. One of the main pillars of Christianity is dependence. Matthew 16:24 in the Bible says, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.” Denying self and depending on God is the key to salvation and spirituality for a Christian. Transcendentalist ideas went directly against this. It is all about thinking for yourself and creating your own truth. These ideas are evident in Self Reliance by Ralph Waldo Emerson. “I shun father and mother and wife and brother, when my genius calls me” (Emerson 3). He says in this quote that he shuts out all outside influences on his life when he thinks his own mind and ideas are right. Later he says, “...for God is here within” (Emerson 6). These quotes promote the idea of independence and trusting in nobody but yourself. These transcendentalist ideas become false spirituality as people depend on themselves for truth and salvation, thus becoming their own God. We know the Bible says that only God can save us, and we must depend on him for that.

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As people started viewing their surroundings and figuring out what they really believed for themselves in Transcendental America, nature starting getting more and more attention. Transcendentalism viewed the natural world as beautiful, powerful, and even something to be worshiped. Nature became a god in the eyes of many. I see these Transcendental ideas in 'Nature' by Ralph Waldo Emerson. He says in this work, "Now is man the follower of the sun, and women the follower of the moon" (Emerson 2). Later he also says, "Whilst the abstract question occupies your intellect, nature brings it in the concrete to be solved by your hands" (Emerson 3). These quotes say that nature is a physical and tangible thing that can be looked upon and followed to answer every question and satisfy the need for fulfillment in your heart. Emerson thinks that Nature has some unseen power to elevate human nature and make it more productive in a way if we just follow it and look to it for guidance. These ideas parallel directly with Transcendentalism that viewed nature as a god. The Bible says that nature is something God gave us as evidence of him, but he is not a part of nature. Christians must be careful not to look at nature as a god or as God, but rather evidence that points back to him.

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One of the core Transcendentalist ideals is the importance of self-reliance and individualism, where society’s rules are seen as an inhibitor to personal freedom and spiritual growth. Emerson’s Self-Reliance articulates this clearly “No law can be sacred to me but that of my nature” (Emerson 2). By rejecting societal norms, Emerson encourages the reader to trust their own instincts and intuition. This philosophical stance calls for a rebellion against imposed beliefs, suggesting that the only true law is the one governed by the self and nature. Transcendentalism challenges the imposing social and political norms of the 19th century, including the oppression of marginalized groups like women and Native Americans. In this context, Emerson’s assertion that each individual must find their own truth can be applied as a call for personal liberation. The concept of self-reliance becomes a form of resistance against the societal expectations that have historically determined personal and religious freedom.

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Cooper

Transcendentalism is compiled with ideas, and beliefs, many pertaining to Spirituality. When I read these excerpts I see the ideas and desires of hurting people, people who were trying to change issues and though that is good, they were trying too hard by their own strength. Man cannot fix problems that pertain to spiritual situations, for example truth, and fulfilment. In Ralph Waldo Emerson’s “Self Reliance” page 3, he said “ Virtues are, in the popular estimate, rather the exception than the rule” going on to say man only does good because he feels he owes something to the world. Emerson also displayed the issue of spirituality in the excerpt from Nature, saying “Yet it is certain that the power to produce this delight does not reside in nature, but in man, or in a harmony of both.” (Emerson 1) This is a good representation of the overall ideas of Transcendentalism, it was based on self procured religion, an idea that man, nature, etc… can satisfy by other means than God. It truly is a sad example of the lost trying to gain meaning through itself, ultimately never getting anywhere.

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Cooper

“A doctrine that the interest of the individual are or ought to be ethically paramount” (Merriam Webster) This is the definition of Individualism, plainly from reading it you can see that it is practically placing one's views as the best. Now though that is not a good or wise statement, there were certain things that were beneficial during the transcendental movement pertaining to individualism. Margaret Fuller brought forth certain necessary ideas to individualize women. She said a small statement I found interesting on page 5 of Women in the Nineteenth Century “ But to return to the historical progress of this matter. Knowing that there exists in the minds of men a tone of feeling toward women as toward slaves…”  Women at the time were not treated equally, therefore she was trying to individualize them, separate them from unequal to equal. Now an example that truly puts forth the idea of being ethically paramount is in Ralph Waldo Emerson's Self-reliance stating “Trust thyself: every heart vibrates to that iron string.” and “The thought to believe that what is true for you in your private heart is true for all men— that is genius”  (pg 1) this truly explains the ideas that people were gaining at the time, ideas that changed people's thoughts, to be more selfish, and individualistic in a not so helpful way.

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Transcendentalism pushed against our nation's pursuit of Christian living, under the guise of intellectual thinking and spiritual growth.  Transcendentalism uses big words, in a seemingly intellectual way to appeal to the minds of early philosophical Americans.  It introduces the idea of self-reliance, and rejection of societal normalcy to gain interest, and draw people into the idea. “What I must do is all that concerns me, not what the people think.  This rule, equally arduous in actual and in intellectual life, may serve for the whole distinction between greatness and meanness.” (self-reliance) this independence in and of itself is not harmful, but it is crucial to note that these ideas didn't start, or end, with transcendentalism.  The idea of allowing humans to reject society and strive for a greater purpose has existed in many different religious contexts for hundreds of years. And to say that this worldview was exclusive or even popularized by transcendentalism is ignorant.  Transcendental thinking encourages us to see ourselves as our own gods and even control our own lives through a cycle of self-sufficiency and ego centrical behaviors.  These ideas as seen in self-reliance and nature are directly opposing to the Christian narrative, and reject the concept that God, not man, is ultimately in control

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The idea that nature holds the key to spiritual and moral enlightenment is a central pillar of Transcendentalism. Emerson argues in Nature, “Yet it is certain that the power to produce this delight does not reside in nature, but in man, or in a harmony of both” (Emerson, Nature, p. 1). This suggests that true wisdom and joy arise from the harmonious interaction between humanity and nature, not from nature alone. Transcendentalists viewed nature as a reflection of divine truth. Similarly, the belief in nature as a moral guide is echoed in the works from groups like the Cherokee. In The Cherokee Memorials, John Ross writes, "The soil we inhabit is sacred. The graves of our fathers are there, and the eyes of our children are fixed upon it" (Ross, The Cherokee Memorials). This statement underscores the Cherokees deep spiritual connection to their land, which, like Transcendentalism, sees nature as an integral part of one's identity and moral compass. Ross’s writing highlights how the forced separation from land and nature led to cultural and spiritual degradation, mirroring Emerson’s warnings about the dangers of disconnecting from nature.

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In Transcendentalism, man and nature are deeply intertwined, each completing and fulfilling the other. Ralph Waldo Emerson reflects this in Nature when he writes, “The power to produce this delight does not reside in nature, but in man, or in a harmony of both.” This suggests that the joy and inspiration we find in nature come from a profound connection between the external world and our inner spirit. For Transcendentalists, nature is not just a resource but a source of spiritual renewal, awakening our sense of wonder and unity with something greater. This harmony between man and nature embodies their belief that both work together to elevate and sustain each other. But for Christians, it's the opposite. Nature is created by God and we can enjoy it, not worship it.

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While good things sprouted from transcendentalism, it would be wrong to say spirituality is one of them. In fact, I believe that spirituality was the most twisted part of transcendentalism and that the transcendentalist movement went directly against what we are supposed to believe and how we are supposed to act as Christians. One of the main themes that transcendentalism supports is what Ralph Waldo Emerson says in his excerpts of "Self-Reliance to simply, "Trust yourself". While this sounds good in theory and self-evaluation is good, putting our trust in ourselves and not God does not work and can lead to bad decisions in our lives. This also can be dangerous for justifying immoral things that are not true that we convince ourselves are, because 'who is to say?'. Sure, the movement led to good things for nonconformity and being able to reason for yourself, but taken to the extreme of being your belief and only way of doing things spiritually, I strongly am opposed to this side of transcendentalism being good

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An essential aspect of transcendentalism was chasing perfection through idealism. An ideal is defined as “a person or thing regarded as perfect.” Many transcendentalists sought to reach perfection internally through separating themselves from society. In Self Reliance, Ralph Waldo Emerson wrote: “There is simply the rose; it is perfect in every moment of its existence.” (5) Later he also wrote: “But man postpones or remembers; he does not live in the present… He cannot be happy and strong until he too lives with nature in the present, above time.” (5) These passages point to Emerson’s view that it’s impossible to find perfection or satisfaction around us, but we can find that perfection inside nature and inside ourselves by disregarding society and its expectations. He also uses the example of the rose which is interesting because it is saying that the perfection we find won’t be based on our circumstances, but on what we can find naturally, outside of society. This perfection is considered ideal for him, and supports his view of idealism.

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In his writings, Ralph Waldo Emerson placed great emphasis on nature, both that of the natural world and of man. In Nature, he spoke of the woods and of the weather and even at times correlated these to human emotions. For example, he wrote: “In the woods, too, a man casts off his years, as the snake his slough, and at what period soever of life, is always a child.” (1) A connection between nature and the being of man is emphasized here and Emerson portrays a man finding freedom and a higher state of mind out in the natural world. Additionally, Emerson talks about the nature of people’s souls. He wrote in Nature: “The problem of restoring to the world original and eternal beauty is solved by the redemption of the soul. The ruin or the blank that we see when we look at nature, is in our own eye.” (3) Emerson claims that man’s nature is good rather than evil, and that the world could be restored to its original beauty if only people would look at the world and themselves with a fresh perspective of good instead of obeying society’s presuppositions about the evil nature of man. These claims deal with the nature of man rather than the world, connecting the two types of nature by emphasizing how the correct view of the nature of man’s soul can lead to positive change in society.

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The Transcendentalist movement came at a time when people were looking for answers. America was still a newly formed nation looking to grow and develop. This “One Nation, Under God” seemed to flip from a country reliant on God’s providence to one that chose to try and take control. With the writing of Self Reliance, Emerson opens the eyes of many people that rather than trusting God, it’s essential to trust thyself: “Trust thyself, every heart vibrates to that iron string” (Emerson 1). Whether this is true or not, it definitely is striking. However, this places way too much focus on trusting our flawed selves and seeking to find our own truth. Emerson was seeking to influence the people of America as one nation with many individualized people who each thought for themselves. In doing so, he seemed to warp the people’s views, choosing to place too much of an emphasis on self-reliance instead of being reliant upon God.

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Idealism played a huge role in shaping transcendentalist views in the 19th century. Women felt an obligation and a necessity to share their voice. In the 19th century, women felt the injustices and oppressions of not being able to have the same platform as men. There was a disconnect between the supposed freedoms in American society and the actual way that it was. Women were given limited rights and roles in society mostly just in charge of taking care of the family and doing housework. As time went on, these suppressed women romanticized the ideals of an America in which men and women have equal platforms. “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men and women are created equal.” These women echoed the truth found in the Declaration of Independence, but expanded on it by declaring that women were equal to men. God created both man and woman to serve different purposes, yet one should never have been treated inferior to the other. Transcendentalism was so important because it shaped idealistic truths that both women and men have equally important roles in society and that both deserve a voice.

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I believe that spirituality (whether for better or for worse) played an essential part in the transcendentalist movement. Ralph Waldo Emerson argued that spirituality comes from within and from nature, even going so far to say in his writing Nature that, “I am a part or parcel or part of God” (Emerson 1). He has an interesting yet flawed take on spirituality arguing that every man is basically a god in their own right and should be reliant on oneself. While God does give us an incredible ability to attain knowledge and think for ourselves, he created us this way to bring the glory back to him. Our sinful nature causes us to look at spirituality from a lens that is broken, often causing us to search for answers from within instead of going to God in prayer for guidance.

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Whether or not someone believe that God created the world, we can all agree that nature is beautiful. In a quest for meaning and purpose during this time of transcendental thought, nature was a source of inspiration as man sought to find spiritual truth. Ralph Waldo Emerson writes a whole essay title Nature, examining the beauty of the world, then making a point that man inadequately appreciates the elegance and spirituality found in nature. Emerson asserts: “The problem of restoring to the world original and eternal beauty is solved by the redemption of the soul. The ruin or the blank that we see when we look at nature, is in our own eye (Emerson 1). I think Emerson makes an excellent point when he sees the depravity of man as the issue for why we fail to see the beauty. The problem that he fails to address is that nature is depraved too due to the sin of the world. Romans 8:22 states: We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. Redemption will come through Christ’s second coming and the perfect restoration that we eagerly await. While we should fully appreciate the beauty of nature, we should also recognize that creation should be looked upon as something meant to glorify God and not to draw out our own spiritual meaning from.

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Nature is the god of transendantalism.  It is what the movement is circled around, and no matter how hard you try, it all comes back to nature.  “In the wilderness, I find something more dear and connate than in the streets or villages.   In the tranquil landscape, and especially in the distinc line of the horizon, man beholds somewhat as beautiful as his own nature.”  (nature) This passage shows us just how important nature is.  Whether it be nature as in the lush greens of the environment around us, or in our innate human coding.  Transandentalism thrives off the idea that what is most innate and organic is what is true and good.

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Individualism is an idea that is necessary to grasp in order to live out transcendentalism. Emerson writes in Self-Reliance that “Nothing is at last sacred but the integrity of your own mind. Absolve you to yourself, and you shall have the suffrage of the world.” Emerson’s point is clear here, that your power as a person comes from the power that you have in your own ability. Understanding this point is key to understanding the entirety of Transcendentalism. Another point Emerson makes, though, is found in paragraph 1. “To believe your own thought, to believe that what is true for you in your private heart is true for all men - that is genius.” Here we see another key concept, which is that Emerson believes the power that you contain in your own thought comes from the power found in other men. Self-Reliance does not mean a disregard for others, but rather believing that the purest form of society’s power can be found in you.

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Spirituality was a key subject during the times of transcendentalism, and it's prominence lead Women at the time to be frustrated at the hypocrisy of it. In Women in the Nineteenth Century, Margaret Fuller writes "We sicken no less at the pomp than the strife of words. We feel that never were lungs so puffed with the wind of declamation, on moral and religious subjects, as now. We are tempted to implore these 'word-heroes'... to remember that hypocrisy is the most hopeless as well of the meanest of crimes, and that those must surely be polluted by it, who do not reserve a part of their morality and religion for private use." Fuller makes her point clear here, that she believes that the prominence in discussion of spirituality is extremely hypocritical, and her reason for that is because despite all of these "word-catos" who preach pomp and spirituality, women are still not being treated anything close to the rights that they deserve, and no one who should be supporting them is. Rather, they're wasting their breath arguing points instead of making an actual difference.

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In theory, transcendentalism was the fastest way to bring about a reform in society. The question is whether it’s worth rejecting Christianity. For the writer of Self-Reliance, Emerson, leaving the church was necessary in order to find spirituality in one’s inner self and create a more reliable guide for your life. He writes, “This conformity makes them not false in a few particulars, authors of a few lies, but false in all particulars. Their every truth is not quite true.” He makes it very clear that to be a transcendent individual, you cannot be in the church. One could not find his own truth while distracted by God’s so-called lies. When you think about it, this is a pure example of hypocrisy because every truth found within is not quite true since it does not apply to all. God’s truth is never changing and reliable.

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At this time, men and women follow the path presented to them by the generations that come before them, and Ralph Waldo Emerson even states in Nature, “ Now is man follower of the sun, and women the follower of the moon.” The two genders clearly have set roles in society and the transcendentalism movement addresses the later line which says, “He works on the world with his understanding alone.” For the first time, people broke away from what had always been done and saw their “instincts” come out. The idea that they could make their own way in the world became a hope that has lasted. In nature, all the people are not so different and the thought came about that maybe it was society's rigorous rules that were the cause of all the division.

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Identity can be found in so many different things, but for most, it is rooted in what the world/people say. People had lost their trust in their own abilities and rights. In Nature, Emerson writes, “Society is a joint-lock company, in which the members agree, for the better securing of his bread to each shareholder, to surrender the liberty and culture of the eater.” The love for one’s culture faded as society raised people to become dependent on ideas presented to them by others. The needs of the many led to a sacrifice of individuality that it shouldn’t have had to. America’s attitude towards reform was shifted further and further from what it had been at the start. It became easier to blend into society and the government could get away with anything. Individualism needed to ride up again and push for the protection of supposedly secure rights as well as the addition of things like gender and racial equality.

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Transcendentalism challenges people to speak their minds in order to reach the ideal society. In order to do this we have to push past social norms. In the Declaration of Sentiments women were trying to show that they have been overpowered by men, especially under social norms and the law. In passage we read: "The history of mankind is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations on the part of man toward woman, having in direct object the establishment of an absolute tyranny over her" (Excerpt 1). This presents the idea that there is something to strive for when it comes to equal rights. They are displaying that an ideal goal of gender equality is certainly something to strive towards, but we are not there yet. It is going to take hardworking and calling out radicals ideas.

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In transcendentalism, individualism and trusting your intuition are vital, and also the best form of knowledge. In Ralph Waldo Emerson's Self Reliance, he says: "Man is timid and apologetic; he is no longer upright; he dares not say "I think," "I am," but quotes some saint or sage. He is ashamed before the blade of grass or the blowing rose" (Emerson 5). Emerson connects the fact that people are now scared to show what they believe in, because of the the country's forceful ideas. He proves this by writing earlier in the excerpt: "These are the voices which we hear in solitude, but they grow faint and inaudible as we enter into the world" (Emerson 2). With all of the ideas coming at us, we have to take a break from society to let our intuition speak. Emerson is challenging to speak our mind and not be afraid of the repercussions. This helped many people around American push for transcendentalism and not worry when they spoke for themselves.

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Transcendentalism emphasizes self reliance, and we do that by becoming unsure of what we believe in. In Ralph Waldo Emerson's excerpt from Nature, he writes: "the problem of restoring the world original and eternal beauty is solved by the redemption of the soul. The ruin or blank that we see when we look at nature is in our own eye" (Emerson 3).What Emerson is making clear in this writing is that we need to connect with the childlike instinct inside of ourselves and really go forward with what we believe in. Emphasizing, "The ruin or blank....is in our own eye..." proves that the problem with our human nature is because of all of everyone else's beliefs that we have become desensitized to. In this time, it was crucial to rely on our own beliefs and realign with nature; otherwise, we may not have ever witnessed this same American today.