The Essence of Transcendentalism: Henry David Thoreau

Transcendentalism may look like a complex concept, but its true meaning is quite a simple idea; the essence of Transcendentalism is non-conformity and individuality. Living simply and being one with nature, as well as being an individual and not conforming to society, are the main principles of the movement. Henry David Thoreau, author of Walden, was an avid follower of this movement. He abode to the "rules" of Transcendentalism, such as leading a simple life, …

…my life was simpler, I would have less to worry about. I could start focusing on more important things rather than getting worked up about what colour socks someone is wearing. In closing, I think adopting some of Thoreau's principles would be a good idea, because it would make me self-reliant, and therefore a better person. The teacher asked us to write about Thoreau's transcendentalist principles and how our life would be affected by it