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"Our life is frittered away by detail. An honest man has hardly need to count more than his ten fingers... Simplicity, simplicity, simplicity!" (4)

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1A - Walden – “Where I lived and What I Lived For”

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1A - Walden – “Where I lived and What I Lived For”

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The concept of living a simple life (which Thoreau explains can be achieved by being immersed in nature) is a main tenet of transcendentalism in that simplicity is tied to an improved quality of life; in order to live a simple life, one must desire less.

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"But it sometimes happens that I cannot easily shake off the village. The thought of some work will run in my head and I am not where my body is..." (14)

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The idea of “shaking off the village” relates to the transcendentalist views of living a simple life without worries and rejecting traditional establishment (since the responsibilities of everyday life are the cause of worries); this may be difficult to achieve due to the many responsibilities that most people in today's society possess.

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"The power to produce this delight does not reside in nature, but in man, or in a harmony of both. It is necessary to use these pleasures with great temperance"

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According to transcendentalist beliefs, one must not only physically be in nature but must also be in the right mindset; one must be calm and leave their worries and stressors behind.

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"Others have the same [love of beauty] in such excess, that, not content with admiring, they seek to embody it in new forms. The creation of beauty is Art" (4)

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The transcendental concept of individualism is reflected in this quote since beauty is subjective and art is a way for a person to express their distinct interpretation of the beauty around them in their own way, but in today’s society, we have strict standards for what defines beauty and it is sometimes difficult to see past them.

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“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"

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Individuality is a main tenet of transcendentalism, and this quote reflects that idea in that even though one may live surrounded by others (with certain societal expectations), they must form their own opinions independently; in today’s society, however, many people often conform to the group and sacrifice individualism for social acceptance.

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2A - Reaction to Whitman's Poem and Dead Poet Society

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2A - Reaction to Whitman's Poem and Dead Poet Society

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Whitman’s poem O Me O Life describes the idea that many people do not give their lives meaning; rather than living in a meaningless way, people should contribute to the world in ways that they desire. The movie, Dead Poet Society, describes this phenomenon from a different point of view; Neil was unable to contribute his verse to the world because his father prohibited him from following his passions. He did not want to live a life without meaning and controlled by another person, so he ended it. I believe that Neil should have attempted to speak with his father before ending his life, but the movie made it clear that he was unable to. With that said, it is apparent that when one feels unable to contribute their own verse to society, they feel like their life has less meaning (as in Neil’s case).

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In Dead Poets Society, it was very shocking that Neil committed suicide before attempting to talk to his parents about his dreams to become an actor; his individuality, which is a main Transcendentalist tenet, was taken away from him (as seen in the picture as well), and he felt that he ran out of options since open communication with his parents was seemingly impossible.

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Although I have not yet decided which career path I want to pursue, I know that my verse consists of much more than my work. I strongly believe that volunteering and donating (even something small) is one of the most important ways that an individual can contribute to their community. Regarding my career, if I choose to be a lawyer (which is very likely as of now), I will use the law to help my clients win their cases and I will support the idea of justice. In my opinion, my verse is significant in that it makes up a greater stanza which is also part of the full poem; one verse alone may not seem like much, but each person contributing their own unique verse is what makes society function. For example, as a lawyer, I will focus on defending the law and presenting the truth in a legal context. I will also uphold the constitution and fight for those who may not be able to defend themselves. My verse combined with that of others will contribute to a beautiful poem (society).

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4 - A Short Break on my Long Path (Poem)

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4 - A Short Break on my Long Path (Poem)

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Every day I witness around me so many people performing their dutiful obligations; my mother, father, teacher and countless others waking up early and staying late at work, performing their duties to contribute to the engine of life.

Then they come home to more issues of maintaining a family, relationships, and their health. Each of them have different reasons and  inspirations as to why they do what they do; careers, economics, usefulness in life.

All noble reasons but how much time is left over for these people to reflect on their own lives, their own existence? ...probably not very much time.

The engine of life seemingly requires us all to immerse ourselves in what we want to be, who we want to be, and to what extent we should pursue life’s riches.

We are programmed early in life and labeled based on extrinsic perceptions. This girl is so smart, that boy is so athletic; he’s nice, she’s pretty, on and on and on.

Are we capable of having independent thoughts?  Are we capable of going against the norms? It seems society promotes cohesiveness and obedience and those who do are rewarded with titles and riches.

There are those who dare to take a different path in life; those who wish to stop and smell the roses, those who may go to the forest just to be surrounded by trees.

However, there are risks in thinking outside of the box and not following all of the rules and regulations. Such transgressions could have serious societal consequences.

Our society rewards the hard working and seemingly punishes those who spend too much time admiring trees.

Our reputations are formed early and can be ruined by one mistake. One word can ruin a relationship, one word can tear apart a friendship.

We are constantly walking on eggshells, going through life constantly being worried about being too offensive, too political, too lazy, too this, too that.

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As I near my adulthood, I see the gamesmanship that is played every day. I am not impressed by the theater, the challenges we create for one another.

Instead of lifting each other up, we are constantly on the offensive against those who do not perform to our expectations and our beliefs.

Societal norms control us as individuals and collectively.

It seems we all have an opinion, even if we don’t care about the issue and have not researched the issues. It seems at times, we all need to be heard.

In living my life, I do understand the need to be part of the engine of life. After all, we are here to create a more perfect union;

I am an obedient subject, I will be helpful to society performing my duties as a doctor, a lawyer or whatever path I decide to take;

However, in performing my role in the engine of life, I will not allow society to dictate who I am.

I don’t have to be like everyone else. I will choose my path.  I will choose not to judge others. I will choose forgiveness over revenge.

I may sit in a forest for an entire day doing nothing as long as I get my mind thinking straight. If I am judged harshly for wasting an entire day in the forest, I will be content because I know myself and I like myself.

That is the lesson of life. How to get to a point where we are not only productive, but we look at ourselves in the mirror and we like what we see.

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5 - The Amish (Modern Transcendental Example)

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5 - The Amish (Modern Transcendental Example)

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Transcendentalism is reflected in Amish culture in that the Amish value simplicity and lack of modern technology; many transcendentalist philosophers argued that a person should have less material desires which is one of the Amish's core beliefs.

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Amish Families

The family is the most important social unit among the Pennsylvania Amish; those with seven to ten children are not uncommon. This high birth rate feeds the growth of the community of Amish in Pennsylvania, as does the fact that four out of five children choose to become baptized and remain in the church. Jobs, friendships and business opportunities provide incentives to stay.

With several generations often living under the same roof, there is both a sense of continuity and participation in family life. Upon reaching teenage years, many youth engage in traditional recreation, but others engage in more worldly activities before choosing whether or not they want to be baptized as adults in the church.

In Amish society, older family members are respected and cared for by the family and community, often moving into a special addition to the house. The Pennsylvania Amish generally do not accept social security and try to avoid the use of nursing homes.

Amish Style of Dress

The characteristic style of plain Amish dress is the most obvious outward manifestation of their faith, purity and social separation from the world. It demonstrates group allegiance and identity, as well as the willingness to yield to group standards.

Pennsylvania Amish men wear dark-colored suits, straight-cut coats with no lapels, broadfall trousers, suspenders, solid-colored shirts, black socks and shoes, and black or straw broad-brimmed hats. Shirts fasten with conventional buttons; suit coats and vests fasten with hooks and eyes. Men do not wear mustaches and generally wait until after marriage to grow beards.

Amish women wear modest, solid-colored dresses, usually with long sleeves and a full skirt, a cape and apron. The clothing is fastened with straight pins or snaps. Hair is never cut and is worn in a bun on the back of the head, concealed by a prayer covering. Single women in their teens and twenties wear black prayer coverings for church services; a white covering is worn at most times by women of all ages. Pennsylvania Amish women are not permitted to wear jewelry or printed fabrics.

Amish Language

At home and in their community, the Amish in Pennsylvania speak a dialect of German. This language, originally known as Pennsylvania Deutsch, has gradually become known as Pennsylvania German, or Pennsylvania Dutch. The use of this dialect binds the Pennsylvania Amish together and naturally limits interaction with the non-Amish. Amish children learn English at school and also study High German for worship services.

Use of Electricity

The Amish taboo on electricity has become one of the public symbols of their separation from the world. Because public electric and utility lines provided a literal and mysterious connection to the outside, the use of power generated from them - and from generating plants - is forbidden. This ban has prevented secularly influences from intruding into the home and has silenced endless debates over the use of new electrical gadgets such as radios, TVs and appliances and more. While the 110-volt power generated from public utility lines is prohibited, 12-volt self-contained batteries are unconnected to the outside world, and therefore permitted.

In order to power tools for the cottage industry, farm equipment and some household appliances, the Amish in Pennsylvania get creative, using air or hydraulic powered motors. This pressure can be used to operate larger household equipment like washers and sewing machines, but not smaller ones such as clothes dryers, toasters, blow dryers, microwaves, TVs, and doorbells. Bottled gas is used to operate major appliances such as refrigerators, stoves and water heaters. Home freezers have been banned due to the fear that they would lead to other electric appliances. To light their homes and shops, the Amish utilize pressurized gas lanterns to mount on walls, hang from ceilings and attach to mobile carts.

Use of Photography

The Amish hold humility as a highly-cherished value and view pride as a threat to community harmony. Because items such as personal photographs can accentuate individuality and call attention to one's self, they are prohibited from the home. Moreover, the Amish believe that photographs in which they can be recognized violate the Biblical commandment, "Thou shalt not make unto thyself a graven image." They want to be remembered by the lives they lived and the examples they left, not by physical appearance.

Just as the Amish do not carry personal photographs or display them in homes, they do not want others to take photographs of them. Many visitors to Lancaster County, find it difficult not to do so. Yet, if there is one thing that appears to frustrate the Amish, it is tourists attempting to take their picture. Please follow our lead in taking no photographs in which faces are recognizable. Refraining from taking photos is more than just a courtesy; it's a respect for our Amish neighbors and their way of life.

Means of Transportation
Personal transportation
When the modern car became a common fixture in American life, it also became the American symbol of freedom, independence and mobility - transforming the slower pace of horses and trolleys. In all of these ways, the motorized vehicle clashed with the traditional values of Amish culture. Moreover, the very concept and progression of the automobile breeds pride and inequality in the eyes of the Amish.

Travel by horse and buggy is the prominent mode of transportation, naturally limiting travel, and therefore, interaction with the non-Amish world. This also prevents the erosion of geographically-organized local church districts, because members cannot simply drive to the congregation of their choice.

While owning a car is not permitted, being a passenger is no compromise to the beliefs of the Pennsylvania Amish. Accepting rides from neighbors or hiring a driver is a way for the Amish to use cars as a means of transportation to social functions on the outskirts of the settlement, but not disrupt the Amish culture or social structure. Amish businessmen often have agreements with non-Amish persons to haul materials as needed, or hire a non-Amish employee who provides a vehicle.
Public transportation
The church permits the use of trains and buses as modes of transportation to shop, work at markets or visit far-flung settlements. These are unlike a car in that they cannot be used for personal status. Travel by air, however, is prohibited because it is viewed as too modern and worldly. Moreover, it should be largely unnecessary, as the Amish in Pennsylvania are not engaged in professional occupations or vacations to faraway places.
Youth leisure transportation
The Pennsylvania Amish church placed a taboo on the bicycle in order to keep youth close to home. However, non-motorized scooters are viewed as a compromise between walking and the bicycle, and many youth ride them to school.

Amish Financials

Despite their separation from modern culture, the Amish in Pennsylvania are entangled with the larger economic system. They lean heavily on the broader world for raw materials and supplies, and they use banks. Just like other citizens, they pay all taxes, with the exception of social security. Similarly, the Pennsylvania Amish pride themselves on being self-sufficient and do not collect social security benefits, unemployment or welfare checks.

Financial security and protection come from the community itself, most outwardly visible in the Amish barn-raising. But the Lancaster County Amish have also created other ways to help church members in time of need. An Amish Aid Society was formed, by which members are assessed and money collected to help rebuild after a disaster. This is a modest system of fire and storm insurance. Those with medical bills to pay are helped by church alms. Again, in Lancaster, an Amish Church Aid was developed for serious problems as an informal version of hospitalization insurance.

Amish Recreation

Rather than going away from the home to parks or movies, Pennsylvania Amish children enjoy activities in the house and around the farm. With animals and wide open spaces, the farm is an exciting, although sometimes dangerous, playground. Children also get together at school and after church; baseball is the most popular activity in the school yard.

The fact that recreation is tied so closely to the home is perhaps the reason that some teenagers rebel before they join the church by participating in "worldly" recreation. This stage, often referred to as "sowing wild oats," may include driving a car, drinking parties, attending movies, playing on a (non-Amish) baseball team, going to the shopping mall - even purchasing a car. Youth may trade their traditional Amish dress for modern clothing and get a modern haircut to blend into public crowds. This period between childhood and adult membership in the church offers Amish youth a chance to explore and experience the outside world before choosing to accept or reject the culture of their birthright via baptism as an adult in the church.

Many activities normally considered work are forms of recreation for the Amish adult. Quilting bees and frolics are an enjoyable mixture of work, socializing and recreation. Some Amish do travel, making trips to visit Amish communities in other states, and also to museums, the zoo or other places of interest. Some Amish enjoy an occasional trip to eat out, or a birthday party at a local restaurant. The most popular leisure activity for the Amish seems to be visiting. This may include everyone from relatives and the sick to non-Amish friends.

Amish Health Practices

Health care practices vary considerably across Amish communities and from family to family. For a basic overview of this aspect of Amish life, please see this information compiled by the Young Center for Anabaptist and Pietist Studies at Elizabethtown College in Elizabethtown, Pa.

Regarding vaccinations, "The Amish do vaccinate their children," says Dr. Kevin Strauss, MD, of the Clinic for Special Children in Strasburg, Pa., which specializes in addressing the health needs of the Plain population. "Their overall vaccination rate is lower in comparison to the general populace, but you'll find a higher rate of vaccination among younger Amish than in older generations. The bi-weekly vaccination clinic that we run is very busy."

Strauss also sees autistic behaviors among the Amish children he treats, "sometimes as a stand-alone condition, but also when the symptoms are one component of a broader medical issue like mental retardation or seizure disorders."

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Pennsylvania Amish Lifestyle | Discover Lancaster

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Discover the world of Amish rules, family, and dress code traditions. Explore the Amish community's traditions and common practices in Lancaster, PA.

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Transcendentalism revolves around individuality, simplicity, and nature, and the hashtag "just me and the trees" reflects that in that "the trees" symbolize nature, and saying "just me" implies the idea that I am in nature to be in alone in solidarity (which is a simple lifestyle).

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In this picture, I am swimming in a waterfall by myself, in complete solitude, and I am fully immersed in nature; my mindset is very calm and free from worries (given that I am on vacation in Hawaii) which, according to transcendental thought, is the only way to fully appreciate nature.

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In this picture, I am running into the forest off the beaten path and on my own path; this symbolizes individuality and self-reliance which are both transcendental ideas.

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7C - Alone with my Book... No Phone in Sight

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7C - Alone with my Book... No Phone in Sight

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In this picture, I am reading a book out in nature with no phone or no modern technology; according to transcendental belief, modern technology takes away from experiencing the true beauty of the world (the world's nature).

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8A - The Capitalist Economy (A Challenge)

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8A - The Capitalist Economy (A Challenge)

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Given that the economy of the United States is centered around making money to live, it is very difficult to be out in nature with no worries since we must worry about ways to make money to support ourselves

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As individuals, the use of modern technology hinders us from living transcendentalist lives; this is because it distracts us from nature and prevents us from taking in all the beauty around us.

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This picture shows a lone man in nature, self-reflecting and taking in the beauty around him; he then will use the beauty around him as inspiration to create unique art which is a form of individualism (a tenet of transcendentalism).

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Thesis:
Nature serves as a stimulus for people to base their creations and teaches people to be self-reliant; since self-reliance and individualism lead to each individual contributing a distinct thing to the world, society as a whole will benefit in turn.

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"The creation of beauty is art” (Emerson 4)

"The beauty of nature reforms itself in the mind, and not for barren contemplation, but for new creation" (Emerson 3)

"Art is described to be an interpretation of the surrounding beauty which varies based on how each individual perceives the beautiful nature around them" (Garmo 2)

"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" (Emerson 9)

"Therefore nature can be attributed to teaching both individuality (through encouraging people to create unique art) and self-reliance" (Garmo 2)

"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 7)

"This is why self-reliance is important; useless societal norms are replaced by free thought and new ideas which could only be created outside the realm of society’s standards" (Garmo 3)

"There will never be a really free and enlightened State until the State comes to recognize the individual as a higher and independent power, from which all its own power and authority are derived, and treats him accordingly. I please myself with imagining a State at least which can afford to be just to all men and to treat the individual with respect as a neighbor" (Thoreau 46)

"...self-reliance is crucial in that it frees the mind and serves to benefit larger society by making it free from a strong government and from strict societal standards" (Garmo 3)

"Society is made up of individual minds and should reflect the desires of each person" (Garmo 4)

"Society is a joint-stock 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 virtue in most request is conformity. Self-reliance is its aversion. It loves not realities and creators, but names and customs” (Emerson 6)

Thoreau "[does not] wish to be regarded as a member of any incorporated society which [he had] not joined” (35)

"Individualism may naturally yield collaboration since people can put together their unique ideas in ways to create systems to benefit society" (Garmo 4)

"The idea of individualism and how it betters society is rooted in having a transcendental mindset to learn the concepts of free thinking and self-reliance from nature. Mother nature is a teacher, and individuals interpret her lessons in ways that will benefit themselves and society as a whole" (Garmo 5)