What belief does Whitman share with Ralph Waldo Emerson and other transcendentalists?
a. We should live our lives well to achieve everlasting happiness.
b. Man learns his most important lessons and insights in the present, through direct experience.
I am a little confused about this one. Help is greatly appreciated! Thanks!!!!!
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Based on your question, it seems like you are trying to determine which belief Whitman shares with Ralph Waldo Emerson and other transcendentalists. To find the answer, we can start by understanding the basic principles of transcendentalism and then examine Whitman's and Emerson's works for common ideas.
Transcendentalism was a philosophical and literary movement that emerged in the 19th century in the United States. It emphasized the importance of individualism, intuition, and the spiritual connection between humans and nature. Transcendentalists believed in the inherent goodness of both humanity and nature, and they encouraged self-reliance and non-conformity.
Now, let's look at the two options you provided:
a. We should live our lives well to achieve everlasting happiness: This belief is not necessarily specific to transcendentalism. While transcendentalists did emphasize living a meaningful and purposeful life, their focus was on self-discovery and inner spirituality rather than eternal happiness as a goal.
b. Man learns his most important lessons and insights in the present, through direct experience: This belief aligns more closely with the principles of transcendentalism. Transcendentalists rejected traditional authority, such as organized religion and societal norms, and emphasized the importance of personal experience and intuition. They believed that one's individual relationship with nature and the present moment was a significant source of knowledge and spiritual enlightenment.
Now, in relation to Whitman and Emerson:
Ralph Waldo Emerson, being one of the prominent figures of transcendentalism, shared the belief that individuals could gain profound insights and wisdom through direct experiences in the present. He spoke about the need for self-reliance and encouraged individuals to trust their own intuition and instincts. He wrote essays like "Self-Reliance" and "Nature" that reflected these ideas.
Walt Whitman, while not explicitly aligned with the transcendentalist movement, shares similar beliefs with Emerson and other transcendentalists. In his poetry collection, "Leaves of Grass," Whitman celebrated individualism, the beauty of nature, and the belief in the divinity of each person. He often emphasized the importance of direct experience and the present moment as a way to connect with the spiritual essence of oneself and the world.
In conclusion, the belief that Whitman shares with Ralph Waldo Emerson and other transcendentalists is that man learns his most important lessons and insights in the present, through direct experience (option b). By examining the key principles of transcendentalism and analyzing Whitman's and Emerson's works, we can see the common thread of emphasizing personal experience, intuition, and the present moment as a source of wisdom and spiritual growth.