Nature in Transcendental Beliefs During the mid-nineteenth century, Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau were considered to be prominent figures in the area of the new practice of transcendentalism. Both men had similar beliefs and often shared each other’s goals and teachings. Both Emerson and Thoreau found that nature was a window into the ultimate state of deep thought, though they disagreed on man’s role, as Thoreau believes that man must actively partake of nature, while Emerson took the passive stance of an onlooker. Both Emerson and Thoreau believe that there is a higher state of mind and soul obtainable by understanding oneself and their surroundings, and both agree that nature, in its simplicity and raw, unadulterated power …show more content…
During his time at Walden Pond, Thoreau carefully observes every detail of his near surroundings, measuring every aspect on the pond he considers to be his place of residence in nature. He describes with great detail the changes the pond undergoes throughout the seasons, writing as the season turns to spring, “Ice has its grain as well as wood, and when a cake begins to rot or ‘comb,’ that is, assume the appearance of a honey-comb, whatever may be its position, the air cells are at right angles with what was the water surface. (Thoreau, 782).” This careful observation of nature is extremely similar to Emerson’s belief that nature must be observed to the finest acuity, as such an activity benefits the mind and spirit of an individual. When Emerson reaches a state of observation similar to the goal of transcendentalism, he says “I became a transparent eyeball; I am nothing; I see all (Emerson 693).” He is describing a level of observation so extreme that he feels as though he disconnects from his body, becoming only an observer. In this state, he is independent from the physical world and only watches it, its nature, and admires