T Tanscendentalism developed in New England and it was reaction against 18th century rationalism. It is based on the writings of the Imanuel Kant, who theorised that true knowledge is instinctive. Nature played a crucial role in Transcendentalist thought. They saw nature as a source of beauty and liberation, emphasizing the connection between nature and the soul. Living close to nature was considered essential for self-improvement and spiritual understanding.
In the essay "Nature" written in 1836 Emerson talked about the concept of nature. In intoduction of that chapter Emerson talks about experiencing God and nature directly. All our question about order of universe answered by our experience and world around us. He emphasized upon "Solitude" leving behind all activity and society.
Nature, for me, is different than what we commonly consider. Nature is a combination of living and non-living things. When thinking about nature, if it is capitalized, then it is Prakriti (Kudrat - nature). When we think about the word, striking images come to our minds – mountains, seas, rivers, trees, forests, valleys, etc. However, nowadays, nature is a place where anyone can go to find peace as an escape from reality.
Additionally, with nature, I feel a deep serenity. Just walking on the small roads of the mountain, sitting on the sea-shore for a long time, taking a boat ride in the river, standing on the sea-shore where sea waves touch the feet and go back, writing something on the soil of the sea-shore, sitting on the high hills when the wind touches my face, and walking in dark nights on winter afternoons while the sun is giving warmth, and trees with all their grace making soothing noises. Those colorful flowers on the trees and thousands of species of birds and animals all together give calmness and serenity to the mind and body. It makes a way of living, leaving behind all the overthinking, stress, and taking deep breaths. Nature is a way of escape for me, and it provides a connection with oneself.
2 ) Transcendentalism is an American Philosophy that influenced American Literature at length. Can you find any Indian/Regional literature or Philosophy that came up with such similar thoughts?
Emerson writings are much influenced by Eastern texts, Hindu Mysticism to Chinese philosophy, Persian poetry to Hafiz to Buddhist.
Many Hindu religious scholars appreciate the work of Emerson. He was also influenced by Chinese philosophy, Persian poetry and German idealism. Not only Emerson but other Transcendentalists also came under the influence of such philosophies. Brahma, Maya, Hymn and Celestial love these are major poems and works in which Emerson shows influence of Hindu Philosophies. Emerson took most of the titles of his poems from Hindu concepts. He guides those people who want to explore Indian philosophies. This study analyzes a few research articles in order to ascertain about Emerson’s concentration for Hindu philosophies.
Emerson went to Harvard College, where he connected with Hindu missionaries like Raja Ram Mohan Roy. In his writings, especially in "The Over-soul," you can see parallels with the Hindu concept of Brahman in the Upanishads and the Gita.
For example, the idea of Brahma plays a significant role in his works. In his essay "Self-Reliance," you can sense the influence of Karma. Emerson, inspired by the Gita and the concept of Karma, incorporated these ideas into his poem "Brahma," reflecting his understanding of the "Over-soul."
Emerson learned from Hindu scriptures that the core of one's self, known as "Antar-aa-tma" in Hindi and "Khudi" in Urdu, aligns with the cosmic whole, or Brahma. The Upanishads describe the Self as the eternal essence within all things, a concept akin to Hindu philosophy's "Nirvana," representing the highest state of divine growth. This aligns with both Hindu Vedantic philosophy and Transcendentalism, a term coined by Emerson.
The influence of Hindu philosophy and literature is evident in Emerson's poetry, both in form and content. To showcase this influence, he titled one of his poems "Brahma," with the initial lines borrowing from the Katha Upanishad. Emerson frequently quoted from the Gita, Vedas, and Vishnu, often discussing Krishna's teachings. He even drew themes, ideas, and titles from Hindu books, such as "Brahma" from the Upanishads and "Hamatreya" from the Vishnu Purana. (Rehman)
Chinese Philosophy and Confucianism :
Thoreau and Emerson, the main figures often quoted from two well-known Confucian books: the Analects and the Mengzi.
Firstly, Thoreau spent time exploring nature—forests, lakes, rivers, and mountains. He observed the changing seasons from winter to spring and similar cycles. These experiences, combined with his practical knowledge and appreciation for beauty, might have influenced him to think a bit like a Daoist.
Secondly, Thoreau read works translated by a sinologist named Guillaume Pauthier, including the Daodejing. Thoreau's notebooks suggest that he delved into this text.
Thirdly, despite differences, Confucians and Daoists share some ideas and ways of seeing things. Elements from both also influenced Buddhism when it came to China from India. So, even a vague familiarity with Chinese Buddhism or Confucianism could have led to absorbing some Daoist ideas.
Fourthly, there were long-standing exchanges of goods and ideas between Mediterranean Europe and Asia. Some scholars even speculate that the word "dao" has ancient roots that spread into languages worldwide. While this explanation isn't specific to Transcendentalism, it supports the idea that intercultural commonalities exist for specific reasons.
Thoreau adopted something similar to the Chinese principle of "wu-wei," meaning effortless action. The Transcendentalist emphasis on habits might parallel the Confucian stress on rituals, though rejecting hierarchical aspects. Thoreau's back-to-nature philosophy connects to the ancient Chinese concept of "dao," which can mean "way," "road," "walk," and more. Daoists revere nature and challenge societal norms, a sentiment echoed by Thoreau, who spoke up for nature and wildness against artificial societal constraints.
The Daodejing, a key Daoist text, uses natural processes as a model for following the dao, similar to Thoreau's belief in the subtle magnetism of nature. Thoreau, like Daoists, believed that society imposed artificial templates on life, disrupting the natural flow of things. He criticized railroad timetables for regulating people's lives, contrasting it with the more natural rhythms people used to follow. (Crippen)
Islamic Philosophy :
Islamic philosophy is a versatile term with various interpretations. At its broadest, it encompasses the Islamic perspective derived from texts about the universe's creation and the Creator's will. Another usage refers to the diverse schools of thought that thrived within the Islamic empire or in the cultural and civilizational sphere influenced by Arab-Islamic traditions. In its narrowest sense, it corresponds to Falsafa, denoting specific philosophical schools heavily influenced by Greek philosophies like Neoplatonism and Aristotelianism.
Thomas Carlyle's way of thinking, as explained in his work "Sartor Resartus," can be applied to inform Islamism and shape a post-Islamist political doctrine. Carlyle's transcendentalism, seen as a "cosmopolitan" post-Islamism, can be relevant to global political development in 2020.Carlyle's affinity for Islam, evident in his admiration for Muhammad, indicates a potential evolutionary link between transcendentalism and the Islamic tradition. (Wolfel)
"The Great Lawsuit" Margaret Fuller :
Margaret Fuller's "Woman in the Nineteenth Century," often referred to as "The Great Lawsuit," was a groundbreaking essay published in 1845. Fuller, a prominent American writer, critic, and women's rights advocate, played a crucial role in challenging societal norms and advocating for gender equality during the 19th century.
At its core, "The Great Lawsuit" critiqued the prevailing societal expectations that confined women to domestic roles. Fuller argued passionately against the limitations imposed on women, contending that they were capable of intellectual pursuits and deserved access to education. Her work aimed to dismantle the prevailing notion that a woman's destiny was solely tied to marriage and motherhood.
Fuller envisioned a society where women could contribute meaningfully to various fields and professions, breaking free from the constraints of traditional gender roles. She urged for equal educational opportunities, asserting that women's intellectual development was essential for the progress of society as a whole.
Central to Fuller's ideas was the rejection of the narrow societal definitions of femininity and masculinity. She explored the concept of a transcendent union of male and female qualities within individuals. Fuller believed that both men and women possessed a spectrum of qualities and capabilities, and true fulfillment could only be achieved by embracing and integrating these diverse aspects.
" The Great Lawsuit" was not merely a call for women's rights but a broader exploration of human potential and the need for a more inclusive and egalitarian society. Fuller's work resonated with the burgeoning feminist movement, influencing later thinkers like Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton.
Fuller's essay played a significant role in shaping the evolving conversation about gender roles and equality in the 19th century. Her ideas challenged the status quo and contributed to a growing awareness of the need for social and cultural transformation. Fuller became a beacon for those advocating for women's rights, and her work laid the groundwork for future waves of feminism.
In the historical context of the mid-1800s, when women's rights were a contentious issue, Fuller's voice emerged as a powerful advocate for change. Her work not only addressed the immediate concerns of her time but also set a precedent for future generations of feminists.
Her work became a foundational text in the intellectual history of feminism, inspiring generations of activists and scholars to continue the fight for gender. Margaret Fuller's "The Great Lawsuit" was a transformative piece that challenged societal norms, advocating for women's rights and a broader reevaluation of gender roles. Her ideas, ahead of their time, contributed significantly to the feminist movement, leaving an indelible mark on the ongoing struggle for equality. Fuller's legacy endures as a testament to the power of ideas to shape the course of history and inspire change.
Thank You.
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