Conformity Vs. Nonconformity

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      How the Transcendentalists View Man Transcendentalists believed that man was a divine being with the potential to achieve great things. They also believed that man was inherently good and that society could corrupt him. Emerson's Concept of "Man Thinking" and a "Foolish Consistency" Emerson believed that man should be a "man thinking." He should not simply accept the beliefs of others, but should think critically about the world around him. Emerson also believed that it was important to avoid a "foolish consistency." He argued that people should be willing to change their minds if presented with new evidence. What It Means in Their Eyes to Really Be a "Man" Emerson and Thoreau believed that a real "man" was someone who was independent, self-reliant, and true to himself. They also believed that a real "man" was someone who was willing to stand up for what he believed in, even if it meant going against the grain. How Society Affects the Individual Transcendentalists believed that society could have a negative impact on the individual. They argued that society could pressure people to conform to its norms and values, even if those norms and values were not in the best interests of the individual. Obstacles That Keep a Person from Truly Being Himself Some of the obstacles that keep a person from truly being himself include:

• Fear of judgment
• Fear of rejection
• Fear of failure
• Lack of self-confidence
• Social pressure
• Conformity to societal norms and values

The General Lesson About Conformity That Can Be Drawn from the Path Thoreau Wore Between His House and the Pond The path that Thoreau wore between his house and the pond is a symbol of his nonconformity. Thoreau chose to live a simple life in nature, even though it was different from the way most people lived at the time. The path shows that it is possible to live a life that is true to oneself, even if it means going against the grain. How Thoreau Defines True Success Thoreau defined true success as living a life that is true to oneself. He did not believe that success was about material wealth or social status. Instead, he believed that success was about living a life that was meaningful and fulfilling. Thoreau's Story of the Beautiful Bug In his essay "Walden," Thoreau tells the story of a beautiful bug that he found while walking in the woods. Thoreau was amazed by the bug's beauty, but he was also saddened by the fact that it would soon die. The story of the beautiful bug is a reminder that all life is precious and that we should cherish every moment. The story also teaches us that even the smallest and most insignificant creatures can be beautiful and inspiring. This lesson is relevant to the discussion of conformity because it reminds us that we should not judge others based on their appearance or social status. Everyone has something unique and valuable to offer the world. Conclusion Emerson and Thoreau believed that conformity was a dangerous thing. They argued that conformity could stifle creativity and individual growth. They also believed that conformity could lead people to do things that they did not believe in. Emerson and Thoreau encouraged people to be nonconformists. They argued that people should be true to themselves and should not be afraid to stand up for what they believe in, even if it means going against the grain. The ideas of Emerson and Thoreau are still relevant today. In a world that is increasingly conformist, it is important to remember that we have the power to choose our own path. We should not be afraid to be different and to stand up for what we believe in.  

Sample Answer

   

Transcendentalism was an American philosophical and literary movement that flourished in the mid-19th century. Transcendentalists believed in the inherent goodness of humanity and the importance of individual intuition. They also believed that nature could teach us important lessons about life.

Emerson and Thoreau were two of the most prominent Transcendentalists. Their works are filled with insights about conformity and nonconformity.