Nature in American Transcendentalism

Nature in American Transcendentalism

Assignment 108: Nature in American Transcendentalism. This blog is part of an assignment for paper 108 - The American Literature 

     

  Table of contents: 

  • Personal Information 
  • Assignment Details 
  • Abstract 
  • Keywords
  • Introduction 
  • Historical Background 
  • The Rise of Transcendentalism
  1.   Romanticism and German            Idealism
  2.   Eastern Philosophy
  3.   American Individualism
  • Emerson’s Philosophy: Nature as a Spiritual Guide
  1.     The Over-Soul and                        Transparent Eyeball
  2.     Nature as a Source of                    Inspiration
  • Thoreau’s Experiment: Living in Harmony with Nature
  1.     Simplicity and Self-                         Sufficiency
  2.     Nature as a Mirror of the             Soul
  3.     Nature as a Pathway to Self-      Improvement an Resistance
  • The Lasting Impact of Transcendentalism on Modern Thought
  1.        Environmentalism
  2.        Self-Discovery
  3.        Minimalism and Simple Living
  • Conclusion 
  • References


Personal Information: 

Name: Srushtikumari Chaudhari

Batch: M.A. sem 2 (2024-2026)

Enrollment number: 5108240011

E-mail address: srushtichaudhari1205@gmail.com

Roll number: 29


Assignment Details :

Topic: Nature in American Transcendentalism

Paper & subject code: 108 - The American Literature 

Submitted to: Smt. Sujata Binoy Gardi, Department of English, MKBU, Bhavnagar

Date of submission: 17/04/2025


Abstract:

This explores the role of nature in American Transcendentalism, a philosophical and literary movement that emerged in the early 19th century. The movement, primarily led by Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau, emphasized the intrinsic connection between the human soul and the natural world. Transcendentalists believed that nature was not merely a physical entity but a spiritual force that could lead individuals to self-discovery and enlightenment. This paper examines how Transcendentalist thought viewed nature as a pathway to the divine, self-improvement, and societal reform. By analyzing primary texts such as Emerson’s Nature and Thoreau’s Walden, this study highlights how Transcendentalists perceived the natural world as a sacred space for intellectual and spiritual growth. The paper concludes with a discussion on the lasting impact of Transcendentalism on environmental philosophy, modern individualism, and contemporary ecological movements.


Keywords: 

Transcendentalism, nature, Over-Soul, Emerson, Thoreau, spirituality, individualism, environmentalism


Introduction: 


American Transcendentalism was a philosophical, literary, and spiritual movement that emerged in the early 19th century, influenced by European Romanticism, German Idealism, and Eastern religious philosophies. Central to Transcendentalist thought was the belief in the deep and mystical connection between human beings and the natural world. Nature, in their view, was not merely a backdrop for human existence but a living, spiritual force that reflected divine truths.

This explores the relationship between nature and Transcendentalist philosophy by analyzing the works of two of its most prominent figures: Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau. Emerson, in his groundbreaking essay Nature (1836), proposed that the natural world was a conduit for understanding God, the self, and the universal spirit known as the Over-Soul. Thoreau, in Walden (1854), put Emerson’s ideas into practice by retreating to Walden Pond for two years, where he sought to live in harmony with nature and reflect on its teachings.

This study will first provide a historical background on Transcendentalism, followed by an in-depth analysis of Emerson and Thoreau’s perspectives on nature. The paper will then discuss how nature served as a means of self-improvement, spiritual awakening, and resistance against materialism. Finally, it will assess the lasting impact of Transcendentalism on modern environmentalism and ecological thought.


Historical Background: The Rise of Transcendentalism:

The Transcendentalist movement arose in the early 19th century as a reaction against the increasing materialism, industrialization, and rigid religious doctrines of the time. Its roots can be traced to several key intellectual and philosophical influences:


 1. Romanticism and German Idealism: Transcendentalists were heavily influenced by European Romanticism, which emphasized emotion, intuition, and the sublime beauty of nature. German philosophers such as Immanuel Kant and Friedrich Schelling proposed that reality was not just external but also shaped by human perception.

 2. Eastern Philosophy: Many Transcendentalists, including Emerson, were influenced by Hindu and Buddhist scriptures, particularly the Bhagavad Gita and the Upanishads, which stressed the unity of all living beings and the divine nature of the self.

 3. American Individualism: Transcendentalism aligned with the American spirit of self-reliance and democracy, promoting the idea that individuals could reach enlightenment through their own experiences rather than through institutionalized religion.

At the heart of Transcendentalism was the belief that the natural world was a direct expression of the divine and that individuals could achieve self-realization by immersing themselves in nature. This idea is best encapsulated in Emerson’s essay Nature and Thoreau’s experiment at Walden Pond.


Emerson’s Philosophy: Nature as a Spiritual Guide:


Ralph Waldo Emerson was an influential American lecturer, poet, and essayist, born on May 25, 1803, in Boston, Massachusetts, and died on April 27, 1882, in Concord, Massachusetts. He is best known as the leading figure of New England Transcendentalism, a philosophical movement that emphasized the inherent goodness of people and nature, as well as the primacy of individual intuition and spirituality over established doctrine and materialism.

Emerson's journey into Transcendentalism began after he left the church, seeking a more personal and direct experience of God. His travels to Europe and interactions with prominent thinkers like Samuel Taylor Coleridge and William Wordsworth influenced his ideas. Upon returning to the United States, he published "Nature" in 1836, which laid the foundation for his philosophical beliefs and helped establish the Transcendentalist movement. His essay Nature laid the foundation for the Transcendentalist belief that nature is a divine manifestation and a source of spiritual truth.

Emerson's works, including his essays and lectures, promoted self-reliance, individualism, and the belief in the spiritual potential of every person. His influence extended beyond literature, impacting American cultural and intellectual life during the American Renaissance.


The Over-Soul and the Transparent Eyeball:

Emerson introduced the concept of the Over-Soul, a universal spiritual force that connects all living beings. He argued that nature was the clearest expression of this divine presence. In Nature, he wrote:

 “In the woods, we return to reason and faith. There I feel that nothing can befall me in life—no disgrace, no calamity—which nature cannot repair.”

This perspective suggests that the solitude and purity of nature can heal and restore the human spirit. One of the most famous passages in Nature describes the moment when Emerson feels a sense of complete unity with the universe:

 “I become a transparent eyeball; I am nothing; I see all; the currents of the Universal Being circulate through me; I am part or particle of God.”

Here, Emerson expresses the idea that by immersing oneself in nature, one can transcend the limitations of the physical self and connect with the divine consciousness.


Nature as a Source of Inspiration:

For Emerson, nature was not just a spiritual guide but also a source of intellectual inspiration. He believed that nature spoke directly to the human soul, offering insights that could not be gained through books or religious doctrine. He encouraged individuals to seek truth through personal experience rather than relying on secondhand knowledge.


Thoreau’s Experiment: Living in Harmony with Nature:


Henry David Thoreau was an influential American essayist, poet, and philosopher, born on July 12, 1817, in Concord, Massachusetts, where he also died on May 6, 1862. Thoreau is best known for his deep commitment to Transcendentalism, a philosophical movement that emphasized the inherent goodness of people and nature, as well as the importance of individual intuition and conscience.

Thoreau's most famous work, Walden (1854), is a reflection on simple living in natural surroundings. The book is based on his experiment of living in a small cabin near Walden Pond in Concord, where he sought to live deliberately and self-sufficiently, away from the complexities of society. This work is a seminal text in American literature, exploring themes of nature, self-reliance, and individualism. His book Walden (1854) details his two-year experiment in living a simple and self-sufficient life in a small cabin near Walden Pond.

In addition to Walden, Thoreau is renowned for his essay "Civil Disobedience" (1849), which argues for the importance of individual conscience and the need to resist unjust government actions. This essay has had a lasting impact on social and political movements, influencing leaders such as Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr. in their struggles for civil rights and social justice.

Thoreau's writings and philosophy continue to resonate, advocating for environmental stewardship, personal integrity, and the pursuit of truth and justice.


Simplicity and Self-Sufficiency:

Thoreau’s retreat to Walden Pond was not just an escape from society but a deliberate experiment to understand life’s essential truths. He famously wrote:

 “I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately, to front only the essential facts of life, and see if I could not learn what it had to teach, and not, when I came to die, discover that I had not lived.”

For Thoreau, nature was a teacher that could reveal the fundamental truths of existence. He argued that by simplifying one’s life and reducing dependence on material goods, one could achieve greater spiritual clarity.


Nature as a Mirror of the Soul:

Thoreau saw nature as a reflection of the human soul. His observations of the changing seasons, the behavior of animals, and the stillness of the pond were not just scientific but deeply philosophical. He believed that human beings could learn patience, resilience, and self-awareness by closely observing nature.


Nature as a Pathway to Self-Improvement and Resistance:

Both Emerson and Thoreau saw nature as a means of self-improvement and a form of resistance against societal corruption. They believed that:

 1. Materialism alienates individuals from their true selves. The growing industrial economy and consumer culture distanced people from the simplicity and wisdom of nature.

 2. Self-reliance and independence are key to a fulfilling life. By turning to nature, individuals could become more self-sufficient and free from societal pressures.

 3. Nature fosters ethical and moral values. The beauty and balance of the natural world inspired Transcendentalists to advocate for social justice, abolitionism, and environmental preservation.


The Lasting Impact of Transcendentalism on Modern Thought:

Transcendentalist ideas continue to influence environmental movements, philosophy, and literature today. Some key legacies include:

 • Environmentalism: The idea that nature is sacred and must be preserved is central to modern ecological movements. Writers like John Muir and Rachel Carson were influenced by Transcendentalist thought.

 • Self-Discovery: The emphasis on personal growth and inner reflection continues to shape self-help philosophies and mindfulness practices.

 • Minimalism and Simple Living: The Transcendentalist critique of materialism has inspired contemporary minimalists and those seeking sustainable lifestyles.


Conclusion:

Nature was the central pillar of American Transcendentalism, serving as a spiritual guide, a source of self-improvement, and a means of resisting societal corruption. Emerson and Thoreau articulated a vision of nature that went beyond aesthetics—it was a sacred force that connected individuals to the divine. Their ideas remain profoundly relevant today, shaping how we view nature, spirituality, and personal fulfillment.


References:

Nature in American transcendentalism. (2012, August 21). ResearchGate. Retrieved June 25, 2012, from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/267859328_Nature_in_American_Transcendentalism

The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica. "Henry David Thoreau". Encyclopedia Britannica, 18 Mar. 2025, https://www.britannica.com/biography/Henry-David-Thoreau. Accessed 21 March 2025. 

The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica. "Transcendentalism". Encyclopedia Britannica, 13 Mar. 2025, https://www.britannica.com/event/Transcendentalism-American-movement. Accessed 21 March 2025.

The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica. "Ralph Waldo Emerson". Encyclopedia Britannica, 18 Mar. 2025, https://www.britannica.com/biography/Ralph-Waldo-Emerson. Accessed 21 March 2025.


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