The Works of Henry David Thoreau Essay -- Transcendentalism Thoreau

The works of Henry David Thoreau clearly show his belief in transcendentalism. The dictionary defines transcendentalism as any system of philosophy emphasizing the intuitive and spiritual above the empirical and material. "Walden", a story that describes Thoreau's experiences while living on Walden Pond, emphasizes the importance of individuality and self-reliance. Thoreau's essay, "Civil Disobedience", advocates the importance of prioritizing one's principles over the laws of the government. It also criticizes the American social institutions and polices. In both literary works, Thoreau incorporates multiple illustrations of transcendentalism. The story of "Walden" begins with the narrator explaining that during his two year stay at Walden Pond he was spiritually enriched. Walden Pond provided the narrator with the opportunity to view society from the outside and observe that most men lead their lives in desperation. Thoreau believed that men wasted their lives by chasing after material possessions. He sensed that this behavior caused people to focus their attention on labor, losing inner freedom. Thoreau illustrates this point by saying farming has become another dehumanizing way to accumulate wealth. Thoreau discovers through his own "economy" what is really necessary to live a fulfilled life. For example: He builds a cabin, for the cost of $28. 12 by selling the beans he grew. By working odd jobs, he is able to make a profit of $8.71. Hence, he is able to support himself with very little work and still has time for personal reflection. Thoreau's transcendentalist beliefs are continually reflected in his writings. "When one has reduced a fact of the imagination to be a fact of his understanding, I foresee t... ... He feels that the government gets its viewpoint on important issues from a majority of like minded people, who are not concerned with doing what is best or what is right. According to Thoreau, the system is set up so that the majority rules. Thoreau disagrees with this view, he feels that a person has the obligation to do what he or she feels is right, instead of what is dictated to them by the system of government. He presents his own experiences as a model on how to relate to an unjust government. For example Thoreau spends a night in jail, after he refused to pay taxes in protest against slavery. He feels this allows him to be dissociated from the government, "washing his hands" of it. Throughout the article Thoreau says that it is more important to develop a respect for the right, rather than a respect for law, for people's obligations are to do what is right.