Transcendentalism

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Transcendentalism
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Self-Reliance

• Emerson urges readers to do the following
• Avoid following conformity of the ideas of
  society and peers.
• Instead of the usual, he urges people
• Think and act independently.

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Self-Reliance 391

• What does the passage about trust thyself tell
  you about Emersons belief in the importance of
  the individual?
• He believes the individuals importance is from
  God and people must honor it and trust it.
• What does Emerson believe about being true to
  oneself?
• It produces the best work and the most spiritual
  peace.

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Civil Disobedience 412

• 1. opinion
• 2. That government is best that governs least.
• 3. He would like to see it implemented quickly
  and systematically.
• 4. A government that governs least.
• 5. When people are ready they will dispense with
  government altogether.

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Civil Disobedience

• 6. People should step forward and state what they
  want from government.
• 7. opinion supported by text
• 8. Without a standing government, the nation
  cannot prepare itself for war, cannot make plans
  for future needs, and cannot organize elections.
• 9. government provides schools, protection,
  transportation systems, military, etc.

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Nature and Self-ReliancePage 397 1, 2, 3

• 1. Transcendentalists have a deep love of nature
  and an interest in humanitys relationship to
  nature. Nature fills Emerson with great joy and
  makes him feel like a child.
• 2. Transcendentalists believe in honest speaking
  and trusting intuition, which can change day to
  day.
• 3. The image suggests the speaker sees all and
  allows him to blend in with the universal
  over-soul.

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Walden Page 411

• 2a. Avoid commitment to ownership.
• 2b. All commitment creates restrictions and
  demands.
• 4a. Small details fritter away or waste our
  lives.
• 4b. Get rid of material possessions and outside
  demands on their lives.
• 5a. He hoped to experience the very essence of
  life or only what is needed.
• 6a. Truth, justice, beauty of nature, love and
  God.