Although these pieces of literature were written over one-hundred years ago we can still see the importance that could potentially have a dramatic affect on the way we view the world and society as a whole. Thoreau and Emerson both incorporated these ideas of individuality into their works allowing the readers to think for themselves. In a way you can almost say that really we are truly the ones who give definition to the essay.

Essay describes what transcendentalism means to me and provides quotes from Emerson.

The philosophy of transcendentalism, as expressed in the writings of Henry David Thoreau and Ralph Waldo Emerson, is a belief that "the most fundamental truths about life and death can be reached only by going beyond the world of the senses." Transcendentalism can be said to have three important characteristics: a love for nature, a yearning and understanding for personal growth, and a value for contentment and simplicity.

Essay explores the relevance of transcendentalist philosophies today.