The Legacy Of Henry David Thoreau - 1991 Words

Introduction: Protest movements — whether a local one to protest alleged police brutality, or a protracted struggle for national freedom — conjure up the image of unruly crowds engaged in unchecked violence and destruction of property. Imagine then, civic resistance that is rooted in non-violence. Most people would not give such resistance any chance of success against muscle and weapons. Yet, the enduring leadership and legacy of Henry David Thoreau, an early American author and abolitionist, has shaped the development and evolution of non-violent protest movements worldwide. This is the story of how the power of Thoreau’s words have shaped the arc of history for nearly 200 years: his pen was indeed mightier than the sword. Personal Background: Henry David Thoreau was born on July 12, 1817, in Concord, Massachusetts. He was also raised there for most of his childhood. After graduating from Harvard College he worked in his family’s pencil-making business. Later, he became a schoolteacher but he resigned after two weeks. He became acquainted with Ralph Waldo Emerson to edit the Transcendentalist magazine, The Dial, and from there, their friendship grew. They bounced political and ethical opinions off of one another despite their very different outlooks on various topics. Eventually, Thoreau took to philosophical writing, his ultimate passion. Thoreau first earned attention for his seminal work titled Walden. Thoreau had stayed on the shore of Walden Pond in Concord,Show MoreRelatedHenry David Thoreau s Life And Legacy1528 Words   |  7 Pages Lufkin Middle School Henry David Thoreau Life and Legacy Aby Nguyen Intro To Lit II 4th Period Mrs.Tutt January 15th, 2017 An American essayist, naturalist, poet, historian, pencil maker, surveyor, philosopher, and abolitionist Henry David Thoreau was and still is an inspiration to many readers around the world. By immersing himself into nature he hoped to gain more of a keen understanding of society through his own personal inspection. Living in simplicity and self sufficiencyRead MoreThe Effect Of Transcendentalism : Henry David Thoreau1654 Words   |  7 PagesThe Effect of Transcendentalism: Henry David Thoreau Transcendentalism is the American literary, political, and philosophical movement of the early nineteenth century that was rooted in the pure Romanticism of the English and the German (Goodman). Ralph Waldo Emerson is considered the father of Transcendentalism because his literature is the first to praise the notable spirituality of nature. The basic belief of the movement is to live authentically; being true to oneself (Day). The movement itselfRead MoreTranscendentalism : The And The Movement1027 Words   |  5 Pagesa reaction against the general state of intellectualism. During what years did the movement occur? The Transcendentalist movement occurred during the 1820s, and 1830s. 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Nature and the conduct of life are two central themes that are often weaved together in his essays and books that were published in the Romantic era of literatureRead MoreTranscendentalism, An American Philosophy1640 Words   |  7 PagesAmerican philosophers during the early to mid-1800s embraced a new liberal movement known as transcendentalism that posed a silent threat to the current social and political institutions of the time peri od. Henry David Thoreau acted as the father of this new philosophy that would go on to transform the social structure of America into what it is and is still becoming today. Transcendentalism is an American philosophy that humankind has an innate sense of being and knowledge of the world aroundRead MoreHenry David Thoreau : A Transcendentalist1438 Words   |  6 PagesHenry David Thoreau: A Transcendentalist Religion and politics are perhaps the most important topics of discussion, and paradoxically, the ones least discussed. Our differences cause us to shy away from such depth in our conversations with others and it is a remarkable human being who can share her opinion honestly on the subjects, and even more so, transcend the current popular opinions of the time. Henry David Thoreau was a man such as this. He spoke out against an unjust society and challengedRead More Comparing Metaphors in Norman Macleans, A River Runs Through It and Henry David Thoreaus, Walden1463 Words   |  6 PagesRiver Runs Through It and Henry David Thoreaus, Walden In Norman Macleans A River Runs Through It, the author recounts the story of his early life growing up in Montana. The narrative revolves around his family and the art of fly fishing. Through the novel, Maclean begins to understand the wisdom of his father, the fierce independence and downfall of his brother, and the divinity and beauty of nature. A similar theme regarding divinity in nature is found in Henry David Thoreaus Walden. BuildingRead MoreThe Philosophy of Transcendentalism Essay1292 Words   |  6 Pageschange a reality. Ralph Waldo Emerson was the leading American transcendentalist whose theories were a primary influence in transcendentalist thought and writing. Through the knowledge and direction of Ralph Emerson, Nathaniel Hawthorne and Henry David Thoreau also became leading scholars of their time by means of their influence on early American intellectual history and literature. â€Å"Transcendentalists were influenced by romanticism, particularly in the areas of self-examination, individualism,Read MoreTranscendentalism in Henry David Thoreau and Emily Dickinsons Literature984 Words   |  4 Pageswhat transcendentalism was he should empty his mind of everything coming from tradition and the rest would be transcendentalism† (Boller 34). This literary period has dramatically shaped literature and religion, in America. Many writers like Henry David Thoreau and Emily Dickinson have been influence by transcendental ideas. It is astonishing how an inspiring literature movement can change so much of the world’s view and still is around today. Transcendentalism was an American literature movement urgingRead MoreHenry David Thoreau1930 Words   |  8 PagesBiographical Summary Henry David Thoreau was born on July 12, 1817 in Concord, Massachusetts, and was the son of John Thoreau, a pencil maker, and Cynthia Dunbar (â€Å"Henry†¦Ã¢â‚¬  Ency. of World). Growing up in a â€Å"modest New England family,† Thoreau was one of four children and was accustomed to living practically (McElroy). As his family was â€Å"permanently poor,† he came to accept a moderate lifestyle, which may have later influenced his thoughts on the necessities of life (â€Å"Henry†¦Ã¢â‚¬  Ency. of World). As a