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"We must learn to reawaken and keep ourselves awake, not by mechanical aids, but by an infinite expectation of the dawn, which does not forsake us in our soundest sleep.” - Walden

This image clearly exemplifies this quote because it illustrates how people let time pass while they stay stuck in the same routine of daily life, rather than focus on individual happiness and virtue.

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“But the walking of which I speak has nothing in it akin to taking exercise, as it is called, as the sick take medicine at stated hours - as the Swinging of dumb - bellos or chairs; by is itself the enterprise and adventure of the day. If you would get exercise, go in search of the springs of life.” - “Walking”

The above image reflects this quote because it illustrates using nature as natural medicine, and understanding the relationship between the universe and the individual.

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“To speak truly, few adult persons can see nature. Most persons do not see the sun. At least they have a very superficial seeing. The sun illuminates only the eye of the man, but shines into the eye and the heart of the child. 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.” - “Nature”

In its depiction of sunset within an eye, the above image shows how nature is perceived differently depending on the individual, and based on this perception, a complex understanding between people and the universe is developed.

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“The beauty of nature reforms itself in the mind, and not for barren contemplation, but for new creation.” - “Beauty”

According to Transcendentalism, there is a sacredness in the freedom of individuals to follow their own knowledge, in this case, that sacredness comes from the ability of people to craft their own perception of beauty.

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“The power which resides in him is new in nature, and none but he knows what that is which he can do, nor does he know until he has tried.” - “Self Reliance”

Through its depiction of the individual and their power to determine what they are capable of achieving, this image pertains to Transcendentalism.

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Personally, I find the above poem by Walt Whitman to be demanding and inspiring. As Whitman maintains a reflective tone, he addresses common observations, and the everlasting question of "what is the meaning of life?". When reading this poem for the first time, Whitman's use of repetition made me consider what my purpose is, and what makes me unique in such a large world. Similar to the characters in Dead Poets Society, Whitman challenges my initial idea of life, and inspires me to form my own unique identity. As the film highlights this journey, it made me understand the characters and how they felt alive after discovering their passion in life.

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This image relates to Transcendentalism because it depicts the concept of intuition surpassing reason as a guide to truth, in this case, Neil's intuition told him that suicide was the only way to escape living a life trapped under his father's control.

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My verse would be, “A life without passion, love, and adventure is not a life at all. It’s surviving. But that’s not why God gave us a heart to love with or lungs to breathe with. God gave us these blessings to live, and create a fulfilling life.” I will contribute to our world by living life to the fullest, in which I focus on success in terms of doing what I love, and surrounding myself with people who I love. I will work hard to eventually work in a field that I enjoy, such as psychiatry, where I will make a difference in other lives while doing something I am passionate about. While also prioritizing relationships with friends and family around me, I will also contribute love to the world, as I do whatever it takes in order to make those I care about happy.

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As seasons change, there is a unique relationship that exists between individuals (trees) and the universe. 

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The discolored winter trees

Standing still among the striking white snow

No longer dressed in their green summer leaves

Still have their beauty, even though

The years have passed without a care

Cold December nights and frost bitten day

The tree remains standing there

And so it is true, let me say

That beauty is endless

Even in struggle, it stands deathless

The grey icy river

Silent among the noisy winter winds

Cold enough to cause a shiver

Careful, don’t fall in

There is no room for life

But in this silent night

Its too peaceful to cause a strife

Because the river still has light

Found deep within the its cold dark depths

Its beauty is still kept

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As the individual meditates calmly surrounded by a tranquil atmosphere, they demonstrate the correspondence that exists between the individual and the universe.

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This hashtag connects to Transcendentalism because it relates to existing beyond the material world, and focussing on internal fulfillment.

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Travelling to new places and experiencing different environments, my life and home feel like a small part of a big universe, and the extraordinary sights I witness reveal the role of God in the creation of it all.

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Whenever I'm at the beach surrounded by the peaceful aspects of nature, I too become peaceful, demonstrating the correspondence between individuals and the universe.

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Running on my own during Cross Country, with just my mind and no other distractions, I follow my intuition as I think over important aspects of life.

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8. Challenges to Living the Transcendental Life

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8. Challenges to Living the Transcendental Life

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As people juggle the responsibilities and stresses of everyday life, they are too overwhelmed to take time and immerse themselves in the beauty of nature and the universe.

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Nature guides the mind, and inspires the individual to live simply and think boldly.

Significant quotes of insight:

- "Due to the simplicity and unrefinement nature inspires, it teaches individuals to live less sheltered and excessive lifestyles."

-"If an individual only acts on what they believe is right, they will be stronger than the ignorant individuals who cause their own destruction by idly letting society control them."

-"These strong, solid thinkers who act on their own accord and speak their mind would make our world more insightful and complex, as multiple ideas exist, rather than just one shared idea."

-"It is crucial that society drifts away from the destructive materialistic habits they have become so accustomed to, and instead, try to find a way back to the simplistic foundation, where each individual finds happiness beyond the physical world. "