Transcendentalism Essay

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Transcendentalism, although it was an American movement, was heavily influenced by other countries and cultures, specifically in Asia. Despite the work of a few earlier scholars demonstrating the importance of Asian and Islamic traditions for the major Transcendentalists, the Western-centered historical narrative still remains the focus of teaching about Walden, Emerson, and the writings of the Alcott’s. Recently, scholars such as Alan Hodder have expanded upon insights gleaned by earlier authors in demonstrating that Transcendentalism’s leaders, Emerson and Thoreau, were seriously engaged in the reading of Asian religious texts as the first translations found their way in to European languages, especially English. As they sought timeless transcultural and spiritual truths, they were nourished by the first translations of the major works of Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism, Daoism, and Islam that were published in Europe. (Lewis, Todd)

Transcendentalism was an incredibly influential and important movement in the nineteenth century. It changed the way humans lived, and it forced people to look beyond the rules set for them. It pushed people out of their comfort zones, and caused them to pull away from Puritanism and establish their own personal views. Though it has died down significantly through the years, transcendentalism is still alive and pushing people to be themselves. Through books, movies, music, the media, and many other things humans encounter in their daily lives, it has changed the human race to be more diverse, and taught each person to become their own individual.

Works Cited

Rodriguez, Guadalupe. "Modern Examples of Transcendentalism."Prezi.com. N.p., 7 Oct. 2014. Web. 03 Sept. 2015.)

Lewis, Todd. US, Asia, and the World 1620–1914 The Asian Soul of Transcendentalism (n.d.): n. pag. The Asian Soul of Transcendentalism. Web.

Redd, Stacy. "Transcendentalism-Impact." Study.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 03 Sept. 2015.