Henry David Thoreau: Doctrine Of Transcendentalism

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Leslie Maghett ENG 1101 Synthesis 2 Henry David Thoreau, a philosopher was drawn to the doctrine of transcendentalism. In his essay “From Walking,” he wrote about the oneness of individual spirit along with man’s obligation to pursue worldwide truth. Thoreau presents a step by step meaning of the effectiveness of the wilderness and nature. John Lame Deer, a medicine man, was in agreement with Throeau. In “Talking to the Owls and Butterflies,” Lame Deer chronicles his attitude towards the “white world’s,” treatment of animals and nature. In his autobiography he informs the reader of the importance of relationship between humans and animals. Scientists attest that children need to experience nature to achieve mental and physical development.…show more content…
In Moore’s selection, he believes that “children live through their senses.” Audiovisual exposure connects the child’s interior world to its exterior world. Nature arouses the latent and modernizes “human culture.” Children, who are given the opportunity to have free play, are creative and independent. (Louv 672). Like Louv, Thoreau wrote “How near to good is what is wild!” Man is not alive unless he is in the wild (Thoreau 651). He spoke of his belief in the meadow and forest. Thoreau wrote about the air of the mountains feeding the spirit and arousing the senses. Mans thought will be clearer, intelligence will improve, and imaginations will soar (Thoreau 649). John Lame Deer believes that modern life has cut man off from feeling and spirituality. Experiencing the goodness of nature has become hard, because man has made itself a part of it (Lame Deer 687). He suggests that man should “listen to the air,” smell it, taste it and hear it. The air breathes new life into all. He speaks about the animation of minerals and rocks of the earth. To really feel nature Lame Deer articulates the sincerity of living in shacks, using an outhouse, taking ones time and listening to the music of outdoor insects (Lame Deer

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