Friday, February 6, 2009
Transcendentalism
We have spent several days studying Emerson and Thoreau. Think of the eight concept vocabulary words we talked about at the beginning of the unit. Choose any word from the list and explain how this word relates to what you have read by these two authors and then think of any real life example in which a person is following the ieas of Emerson and Thoreau.
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I think the word that describes them the best would be self-reliance. Both Emerson and Thoreau try to be self-reliant. Thoreau even went all out and lived in a cabin he built in the Walden woods for 2 years.
ReplyDeleteToday I believe there is not that much self-reliance in the world, at least not to the point transcendentalists would've liked. An example I can think of in today's day would be the people who have recently been laid off by GM. They will have to rely on themselves and any plans they had made to support their families in this trying time.
I think nonconformity describes both of them well. They both went against the ways of the time period and wanted to just be out in nature, unlike most other people who had work to be done and stress on their minds. These two just wanted a taste of the simplicity in life, and to not conform to the day to day routine of just going to work and coming home stressed out only to go back to work again to receive more stress the next day.
ReplyDeleteToday there is a lot of nonconformity. Those who ransack peoples' houses to take their goods or make a hostage situation in a bank because they want the money are all examples of people being nonconforming to our laws. Maybe it's just because of their desperation to get money, or just because they've given up on being "the good guy" in these times. No matter what it is, it's still nonconformity.
I believe that the word that describes Emerson and Thoreau best would be self-reliance. They both try to be self-reliant in their lives. Thoreau showed this by living in the cabin he bult in the woods for years.
ReplyDeleteToday I think there isn't much self-reliance. An example of this in today's life is that many people have been forced to live on their own 'last minute' plan due to them being laid off and such.
I think that the word that best decribes what we've been learning is self-reliance. Both Emerson and Thoreau believed in trascendentalism ideas and tried to live them in their daily lives. Transcendentalist regards self-reliance very highly.Both men wrote about their experiences with transcendentalism and self-reliance. Thoreau even tried to live on his own in the woods for two years.
ReplyDeleteI think in this decade we don't live very self-reliantly.We usually rely on technology and other people to live through our day.Plus, we often blame these things when something goes bad instead of ourselves.Maybe if we took charge of our own live smore often, the world would be a better place.
Replying to Christina...
ReplyDeleteI agree with you on the self-reliance matter with Emerson and Thoreau. Both did show that. I also agree with you on that you don't see it much anymore. Still, it is there.
It's not as noticeable because of how we work, now. Most people live together and help pay for things and such. With most families I've met, both parents work (if there are two parents).
Still, if you're a single parent you have to be fairly self-reliant. You have to be the one to work and still be able to take care of the kid most of the time until your kid is old enough that they won't need a babysitter. Then, at that age, they need to be at least a little self-reliant (able to get a snack, or maybe something more like dinner) until you arrive home.
So, though it's not as obvious in the world anymore, it is still there, see? You just have to look a little bit harder.
Do you really believe that in society today more people are self-reliant? I am not sure I agree. I think you are going to have to convince me with more examples....
ReplyDeleteI think almost all the words describe both the authors pretty well. The one I think describes them both best is non-conformists. Both authors didnt conform to society like everyone else did. They were their own people and wanted to do things how they morally thought they should.
ReplyDeleteI think a good example of non-conformists would be the tree huggers.(I just saw a recycling shirt) Not that many people are all into the "save the earth!....recycle!...dont drive big suv's..." Tons of people still throw crap out the window of their car, still drive the big hummers around and pollute. People just dont really care, because they dont think it's making that big of an impact on the earth. But the tree huggers really have their own community. They drive the hybrids, wear and use organic stuff. They really look out for nature and what not and thats why I think their a good example of non-conformity.
And to respond to Allysa, I think your soo right. People do rely on techonology and other people to live. It's ridiculous. Yea, technology helps out a bit, but to think that just like 50 years ago, there was like nothing, and people were just fine without it, and we as a society cant go through the day without getting on the computer or talking on the phone. It's sad.
I'd have to pick the word conscientious to describe Emerson and Thoreau. They did what they felt was right, what the felt like they should be doing. They didnt refuse to conform or despise conformists. They did their own thing and respected other people for doing what they do. They, however, were aware that what they were doing before wasn't right for them. So they went off into the woods or whatever and found what made them feel whole. A real world example of someone following the ideas of Emerson and Thoreau is someone who is an individual and doesn't do anything they know or feel is wrong. Someone who is aware of his or her actions and doesnt always act on the desire to fit in, but instead on the will to do right.
ReplyDeleteTo respond to what Mrs. H said,
In today's world it's so much easier to be self-reliant because of technology. Back in the Emerson's time you might have to rely on everyone in the town to help you raise your kids and help with your own farm as well as help your neighbor. Your survival almost certainly relied on giving and recieving help from others. (Obviously not for Emerson or Thoreau but they're special cases) With technology however it's so easy to live a completely sheltered life. You can shop for anything you need online, you can run a business online to make your money and now you can pay your bills online or with your phone. In todays time you don't need anyones help t accoplish anything, even education can be done online now.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI suspect you'll find the term that best describes Emerson and Thoraeu would be self-reliance. They both endeavoured to live without the commonly means of the day, and trusted only in the kindred relationship of man, and placed an exceptional value on the hardened and battle-tested virtue of the inner spirit.
ReplyDeleteIn response to Mrs. H,
I would concur with your skeptics regarding the self-reliance (or lack there of) of modern man. While it can of course be argued that it is one's environment that determines their degree of moxie, I'd argue you find the more rustic spirit in those places in the world that do not embrace the modern culture of technology and machine. As such, the statement could be made that "modern man" is in fact not self-reliant at all. You need only look around you to reach a similar conclusion. We currently live in a welfare state of monumental proportions. Children are unable to survive without their computers and IPods. American Idol is the only current event they care to witness. Even from a business standpoint, we are "bailing out" at an unprecedented rate.
Well since I am an idiot and deleted my last post I have to do it again. I agree with self-reliance being the word that best desribes Thoreau and Emerson's ideas. We live in a society where mostly every decision is based on a friend doing something or a group of friends are doing something. Whether the person thinks it is wrong such as drinking or smoking. I think that people underestimate the power of themselves and the decisions we all have the power to make. With all that said I agree with Angel when she said that everyone has to use at least a little bit ot self-reliance.
ReplyDeleteI believe that self-reliance best describes both men, because both men lived in a time period where mostly everything had to be done by hand or by yourself, but nowadays there has been so many inventions made to help simplify life that i don't think mostly anybody would want to build there own house or spend any amount of time outside the comfort of there house or to go spend time in a forest whatsoever. I also agree with nick
ReplyDeleteI believe that words non-conformity and conscientious best describe Emerson and Thoreau. I believe this because in their time, both of the men went against everyone else's beliefs and wanted to be different and do their own thing, which would've took courage to stand out from everyone else. Both of these men did exactly what they believed was the right thing to do. Both men were completely aware that the things they were doing may not of been the right choices, but they were okay with that.
ReplyDeleteAn real life example of how this would happen would be a person standing out from others. Such as, a protester. A protester stands up for what they believe in, when others may not. This person is aware that by protesting they could cause problems, and possibly get in trouble, but stand strong for what they believe in.
Responding to what Jake said....
i completely agree that self reliance also describes these two men. There is sooo much technology that has been invented where it would make others believe that "nature" is something that you wouldn't need everyday. People these days have so much more to worry about and so much more going on, and do not feel the same way that Emerson and Thoreau do about needing nature in your life.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteNick, I am impressed. Your points are exactly what I was thinking about when considering the self-reliance of our society. There is always someone else to blame and we seem to take very little responsibility for our own actions. The hottest topic on tv is the government bail out.
ReplyDeleteDonny, I am glad you realized you deleted your post and reposted it. I deleted a post as well, just to see how you did that!
Jade,
ReplyDeleteI agree that with the digital age, life seems to move at a much faster rate, but I also believe that many people have a need and want for things to slow down.
I believe the word that best describes Emerson and Thoreau is self-reliance. Both guys believed in Transcendentalism ideas and believed in the "simple life". Thoreau was so self reliant that he even ditched his life, and went to live in the woods for years with just basic items.
ReplyDeleteEveryone sometime or another needs to grow self reliant as your parents won't always be there to support you shelter and give you food. In reality you have to get a job, pay the bills, and shelter your family.
-Nick Petty-
In response to Jake P, people still do like to go outside but not sure of building their own homes, as it would be a lot easier, and safer in having a skilled professionals in doing that task. People still enjoy going outside and doing sports and such
ReplyDeleteI think non-conformity best describes both Emerson and Thoreau. They both wanted to be out in nature whereas most of the others in their town would be out working in the factories. Even though they were alone in most of their beliefs, they had the guts to stand alone and go against what everyone else would do.
ReplyDeleteIn today's time, I don't think people are following Emerson and Thoreau's beliefs. Everyone wants to be like everyone else. It seems like people are too afraid of what other people are going to think of them, so they don't want to stand out and be different.
In response to Allyssa:
I totally agree with you, I think that both of the men were very self-reliant, especially Thoreau by living in the woods for two years, just to prove that he was serious about non-conformity.
I think the vocabulary word that best describes them is non-conformity. The definition of this is no similarities in form or character; disagreements. Emerson and Thoreau do not go along with what other people believe. They developed their own beliefs and followed those through their lives.
ReplyDeleteToday, i believe there is very little non-conformity in our society. But when people do practice it, they do it in ways such as protesting, or doing something different to stand out in the crowd.
Logan,
ReplyDeleteI do think that self reliance is a good word to describe them. But, you can't leave out non-conformity. That is a big one also. One of the main ideas they believed.
I agrre with Kyle. Non-conformity is a huge idea that both Emerson and Thoreau believed in. They didn't conform with the society that they lived in because they believed that they need to spend time nature instead of society.
ReplyDeletePeople these days may want to slow down their everyday life, but it seems impossible.
ReplyDeletePeople have way too much to do, and feel that if they stop doing their everyday schedule that there life will go to complete hell, but on the other hand... maybe if they do slow down and make time for themselves that they'll realize that it really wont and that they will really be okay.
I agree with Logans response, he did a good job!
ReplyDeleteI believe that both Emerson and Thoreau were definitely non-conformists due to their beliefs in regards to self-reliance. We live in a society which almost forces you to conform in many ways. In reality, it's very difficult to stay true to yourself and remain a complete individual. It seems as though both men did very well sticking to what they believed in.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Donny as well when it comes to the decisions people tend to make. It isn't uncommon for people to make up their mind about an issue or personal choice due to ANOTHER persons beliefs. A lot of people take the easy way out by always going with what their friends or family say.
After reading and understanding Emerson and Thoreau, I would have to use self-reliance to describe them both. I would also consider non-conformity as another vocabulary word. Emerson and Thoreau both have self-reliance. Thoreau had went into the woods and built a cabin and lived there for about 2 years. He was depending on himself to survive that long. Also they both did not have conformity with their society. They never went along with society, they wanted to go live in nature and try to better understand themselves and learn more about themselves.
ReplyDeleteToday in this society since the economy is falling apart, I believe that people don't have much self-reliance. People are being forced out of work and there are people losing their homes and trying to make a living. Also, people are relying on technology and other sources to help them with life. Sometimes it's bad to rely on those types of sources.
Another thought is that people today do not conform with others or authority. There are people who breaks laws that are enforced and they do not give a crap about them. People just want to do stuff their way and if it means breaking the law, they will do it to get what they want.
I believe the word that best describes both Emerson and Thoreau is self reliance. This word best describes them because they did not rely on people everyday like many people do today. They did everything themseleves and did not rely on other people
ReplyDeleteI think another word that describe both Emerson and Thoreau well is nonconformity. I believe this because they did not agree with the ways of the time and did not go along with it like most people did. They did what they felt.
ReplyDeleteIn response to Logan and Allysa:
ReplyDeleteLogan: I totally agree with you, people will have to rely on themselves to get by. People are being laid-off of work and they will have a low income for who knows how long. We will just have to have faith and hope for a miracle.
Allyssa: I agree with you on that people who rely on technology a lot. Technology does come into hand easy and can help a lot but I'm sure we can still get by without some of the inventions we have today. Today, people are inventing some of the most stupid things and people are actually buying them! What is wrong with this world!
** In my blog, i meant to say is " I believe that people will need self-reliance a lot." **
I also agree with donny (eventhough he's an idiot) and brad on the whole decisions part. It dose seem today that no one can make a decision for themselves. It seems that it always has to be based on what someone else is doing. As well as how people underesemate themselves on the power they have to make decisions.
ReplyDeleteIn response to non-conformity...
ReplyDeleteI definitely believe they where both non-conformists in that they wanted to rely on themselves for all that they could and not use others to survive like most others did in their society.
I think that these ideas of non-conformity and self-reliance prett much go hand-in-hand too. I don't think one explains Thoreau's and Emerson's much better than the other because they semmed to have base them off of each other if you think about it. Like if you are self-reliant you pretty much believe in the idea of non-conformity. You may have the same thought on something as someone else but that is based off of your decision not the other person's and you may not be as public about it or have a strong appeal for it as conformists do. And basically if you are non-conformist then you at least some aspect of self-reliance.
ReplyDeleteI believe the word that best describes Emerson and Thorough's lifestyles is non-conformity. Both men went away from mainstream society and did what they thought was best for their own good. Both men never cared what other people thought of them and they didn't do it to be different. They did it because it was what they wanted and what they thought suited them best.
ReplyDeleteI think the word that best describes both Emerson and Thoreau is self-reliance. They both relied on themselves more than other people. Thoreau lived in the woods for 2 years straight, having no one to rely on but himself. That obviously shows some self-reliance. People now a days don't rely enough on themselves. That is where technology comes in. Technology has become such a big part of people's everyday lives they tend to forget about what life was without it. People need to slow their lives down and look at what they really have and not focus so much on technology.
ReplyDelete(As though not everyone has basically said the same thing)
Responding to Jade's...
I totally agree with the 2 words she picked on top of self-reliance. Emerson and Thoreau demonstrated a lot of things that most people now a days don't do.
I agree with Petty because self-reliance only deals with what you need. Only you know what you need and in the end only you can get it for yourself.
ReplyDeleteI also agree with the parent reliance. Everyone(hopefully... cough Ratliff cough) will move out of their parents homes and start a life of self reliance. We need to learn what we want early on in life as well as all that we need.
I think non-conformity describes both Emerson and Thoreau very well because both of them stuck to what they believed was right and it didn't matter what society thought. They lead their lives through their beliefs and ideas of Transcendentalism.
ReplyDeleteIn today's society very few people still follow the ideas of Emerson and Thoreau. Society is now based on how we can make quick bucks and living life in the fast lane.
You spelled following wrong Mrs.H
ReplyDeleteYea well I can’t find my vocabulary list but from what I have read I’m going to say self-reliance would be the best way to describe Emerson’s and Thoreau’s ideas. Emerson and Thoreau’s ideas where very different from the people in their time period, they wanted to live out in nature and depend on themselves unlike everyone else who wanted to keep to their regular lives, living in their home with all their luxuries.
ReplyDeleteI think today too many people rely on technology too much. It’s become so bad that people don’t know how to live without technology. Take the show “Survivor” I’ve heard so many people say “I could win,” “I could eat that” and a bunch of stuff like that but the reality is, no they can’t. Because they are too reliant.
I also agree with jadeybug, she made a good point they just wanted to be different, so they stood up for what they believed in and they really didn’t have a set goal to what they wanted to come out of the whole ordeal. They just went with their gut instinct.
i think a word that best describes them is self-relliance. They both didn't really rely on anyone else for inner peace, they found it through their own means of being in the environment.
ReplyDeleteToday it doesn't really seem like anyone is totally independent, in today's world everyone depends on each other
-Kyle Ratliff
i agree with kyle liddy about the conformity found in today's society
ReplyDeleteI would think that nonconformity would best describe both Emerson and Thoreau, they both went against the norm and refused to go along with what everyone else was so sure was true and the only way of acting. They described the type of lifestyle that most people in their times would have thought to be both extreme and irrational.
ReplyDeleteNeither of them was fooled by the prospect of everyone following their ways, they only hoped that people would take their advice and change their ways to better themselves and make them more independent people.
In reply to Logan's comment...
ReplyDeleteI agree that too many people these days go along with other people and that there isn't enough independence, if people hope to progress in life I believe they need to start finding their own ways through life instead of simply following those ways that other people have already figured for themselves.
I think the best word to describe them is nonconformist. They both believe heavily in nature. They both live how they want and don't care what people think is normal
ReplyDeleteI agree with Logan and Kyle R.
ReplyDeleteThe best term that can be used is self-reliance. These individuals did not look to others in finding what they were searching for, they relied upon themselves. In today's world, people do tend to rely upon others in an excessive way. It's ok to need help, but you must be able to rely upon yourself as well.
I would say nonconformity. I would say that because they were them selfs not the other people around them. They did what they wanted and thought and stood out.
ReplyDeleteSelf-reliance is also a good one but not what I would focus on as much.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Nick...yes we need help at times such as going to the hospital when injured or hiring an accountant to do your taxes but everyone in this world is competing to be the best person
ReplyDeleteIn my opinion, the best word to describe Emerson and Thoreau is nonconformity.
ReplyDeleteThey refused to let the standards of other people get in the way of their own goals, and set their own ambitions. The system of values that exists in society does not in nature. By isolating themselves from society, they 'transcended' from the reality of their daily lives. Mohandas Gandhi is known for breaking the mold of conformity and changing the ideas of the world by exhibiting nonviolence and individualism.
Both men can be described in many of the vocabulary words. I think self reliance is the best words that can describe Emerson and Thoreau. They both wrote about being independent and only relaying on themselves. Such as when Emerson wrote about taking nothing but life real necessitates and living out in the woods for two years. Also they can be described by being a non-conformist. Both of these men are very different from everyone else. They see technology as not really a good thing, and like to live by only life's necessitates. Many people would find these men's behavior as strange or different. But to them this was every day life.
ReplyDeleteBoth men can be described in many of the vocabulary words. I think self reliance is the best words that can describe Emerson and Thoreau. They both wrote about being independent and only relaying on themselves. Such as when Emerson wrote about taking nothing but life real necessitates and living out in the woods for two years. Also they can be described by being a non-conformist. Both of these men are very different from everyone else. They see technology as not really a good thing, and like to live by only life's necessitates. Many people would find these men's behavior as strange or different. But to them this was every day life.
ReplyDeleteThis is elizabeth horner it wouldnt let me post lol
I think that non conformity best describe these two men. i think this because they wanted a change, they wanted to try to make society simpler. Emerson and Thoreau, isolated them self from technology, which other people were going crazy over because it was the "new thing" but most technology isn't a necessary thing. For example people now have GPS on there cell phones who needs a GPS on a cell phone is is not something you need its something you want so you feel better.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Donny when he says self-reliance and non-conformity are pretty much the same thing, that if your self-reliant you are also a non-conformist.
I think that the word that describes Emerson and Thoreau the best would be non-conformity because they did things there own way and they didnt try to do what other people did, they were themselves.
ReplyDeleteI also agree with elizabeth because by being themselves they also had to rely on themselves because they did do things differently.
I think a word that best describes is self-reliance. They never really depended on anyone else but them selves and what they could create. Their crops and the nature around them were probably the most important things in life to them besides their life in general, thenselves, and God.
ReplyDeletei agree with kyle ratliff because we agreed. (:
ReplyDeleteI would say that self-reliance would be the word that would best describe Emerson and Thoreau like most people said.I think it represents both of them the best because they are very independent individuals.
ReplyDeleteI agree with other classmates when they said that it was important to them to be themselves and to come up with things on their own.
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