Emerson

Emerson
Throughout Emerson's " Nature" he uses the big ideas of Individualism, Optimism, self reliance, and intuition to portray his beliefs of Transcendentalism.


Individualism is shown in Emerson's Nature throughout the piece. " To go into solitude, a man needs to retire as much from his chamber as from society." (Emerson, 180) In this quote Emerson is saying that as much as you get away from society, you must get away from your own confinement. With others or even in your own house, you are still surrounded by items that can not let you be 100% yourself, the best place is to be alone in nature.

Throughout Emerson's Nature, he portrays a plethora of optimism, " There I feel that nothing can befall me in life,- no disgrace, no calamity....." ( Emerson,181) In this quote Emerson is speaking of nature, and how away from society and everything that makes him conform into something else, he is truly peaceful. He feels as nothing can ruin that, out in nature nothing will effect him.This relates to the transcendentalism ideals, to be at peace nothing can get in your way.
From Emerson's Self- Reliance he explains that listening to yourself and your heart is key to a Transcendentalist. Self reliance and intuition go hand in hand together, Self reliance is to take what you have and to work with it, not to be dependent on anyone else but yourself. " Trust Thyself: every heart vibrates to that iron string"(Emerson,182) In this quote he explains that everyone can feel a certain vibration that helps them know what they are doing, just many do not choose to feel that vibration.


Also in Emerson's Self Reliance he explains that listening to your heart, your own brain is what is right for your  self. Intuition is definitely tied into self reliance, Intuition is listening to that gut feeling you may have. " To believe your own thought, to believe that what is true for you in your own private heart, is true for all men."( Emerson 183). To know what is true to your self and showing that understanding inside in out is a main transcendentalist belief.