The Pros And Cons Of Transcendentalism

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The ideas behind Transcendentalism are not inherently dangerous, but it should be understood that everyone will not use them the same way. Transcendentalism helps people learn to be individuals, free thinkers, etc. People learn to trust themselves and do what they desire, but these ideas can lead to irrational decisions. Transcendentalism is not dangerous, it is a good way to create leaders, make choices of your own, and not be so dependent on society, but at the same time, it encourages behaviors that harm others and has a negative influence on society. First off, Transcendentalism helps people learn to be individuals, free thinkers, etc. Self-reliance is another important aspect of transcendentalism. As Ralph Waldo Emerson´s ¨Self-Reilence¨ …show more content…

As Robert Frost states in ¨The Road Not Taken¨,¨ I shall be telling this with a sigh Somewhere ages and ages hence: Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—I took the one less traveled by, And that has made all the difference.¨ The idea of trusting oneself and following yourself rather than others is a good thing in itself but it can be taken to an extreme that leads to disappointment and harm. It is ok to trust yourself. This idea is not dangerous in and of itself. In fact, it is a positive and empowering belief that encourages individuals to strive for their highest potential. By believing in their own inherent ideals, individuals are more likely to act in a kind, compassionate, and respectful way toward …show more content…

Another key idea of transcendentalism is the importance of intuition and personal experience. In the ¨Dead Poets Soicety¨, Neil tells Todd that he wants to be an actor even though it goes against his father´s wishes for him. He evens auctions for a play and goes as far as writing a letter in place of his father without informing him, knowing he will never approve of his new love for acting. This leads him to be scolded after the play and forced into an even more undesirable position. He eventually takes his own life because he realizes he´ll never be free from his father´s expectations of him. This does not mean that individuals should ignore reason and logic, but rather that they should trust their own instincts and inner voice. This is not a dangerous idea, as it encourages individuals to listen to their own inner wisdom and make decisions that are in line with their values and beliefs. By following their intuition, individuals are more likely to make decisions that are authentic and true to