The Age of Reason and Transcendentalism are two influential philosophical movements that emerged during the 18th and 19th centuries respectively. While the Age of Reason emphasizes the use of reason and rationality to understand the world, Transcendentalism stresses the importance of intuition and spiritual understanding. In a democracy, it is essential for citizens to have a well-rounded understanding of the world, and to be able to think critically and independently. In this essay, I will argue that by combining the best aspects of both the Age of Reason and Transcendentalism, one can become a truly worthy citizen of a democracy. The Age of Reason teaches us the importance of using reason and logic to make informed decisions. In a democracy, …show more content…
Democracy is not just about making rational decisions, it's also about understanding the needs of others and empathizing with them. Transcendentalism encourages individuals to look beyond the surface level and connect with the essence of things. This kind of understanding is crucial for a democracy to function effectively, as it allows citizens to connect with one another and understand the perspectives of their fellow citizens. When both the Age of Reason and Transcendentalism are integrated, the result is a citizen who has the ability to think critically and independently, while also being able to understand and empathize with others. The combination of reason and intuition allows for a well-rounded understanding of the world and others, which is essential for a healthy democracy. In a democracy, citizens are not just decision-makers, but also responsible for creating a fair and just society for all. It can be argued that too much focus on intuition and spiritual understanding can lead to irrational decision making. This can result in neglecting important facts and reason when making important decisions, which can be detrimental to a democratic