There are many views in the world, on the government, one's self, a person's role in society, and public institutions. Transcendentalists and anti-transcendentalists are both present in our world, but which one am I? I would say I am a little of both. I think that some of the transcendentalists stand correct, but sometimes they can take it too far as well, so then I lean towards the anti-transcendentalist side.
One of the opponent sides, an anti-transcendentalist, which I agree with, is the idea that materialism can kill happiness. Nathaniel Hawthorne says in The Minister's Black Veil: "...Mr.Hooper smiled to think that only a material emblem [The black veil] had separated him from happiness, though the horrors, which it shadowed forth, must be drawn darkly between the fondest of lovers." Hawthorne is able to show that such a simple piece of fabric can ruin a man's life, having his wife leave, and being left to die alone. But in reality what is a black veil but a black piece of cloth more commonly known to be worn on a female? I think the idea that material items are more important than non-material items is false. The non-material, the love in Mr.Hooper's case, should be present no matter what.
Although, then there is the idea that every human holds back. Ralph Waldo Emerson's idea, who is a transcendentalist. In his piece named Self-Reliance, he quotes, "We but half express ourselves, and are ashamed of that divine idea which each of us represents.," and I agree with this statement. People, especially today, hold back. To be different, to stand out, or to not follow in some one's footsteps is scary. It takes a lot of courage nowadays to step outside of the box rather than before, because so many more people have become incredibly judgemental and cruel towards others. But each of us has a divine idea, and we are individuals that should share our uniqueness with the world. I am one of the few who thinks that to stand out is to be weird and to be weird is to be human.
So far, I have agreed with both sides, which is fine by me. I do not want to consider myself one or the other because I can change my mind a lot. I like to keep variety and open options. My views can change because of many situations, so saying I am or am not a transcendentalist is not a valid belief for me.
Lastly, I agree with the idea that taxes are nonsense, but I do not agree to not pay them. We are all one society. WE chose to live HERE, knowing what would come with our residence. Taxes are for everyone to help out. Do not be selfish and refuse to pay because this one time, just because you did not participate in the event being taxed. Just like Thoreau asks in Civil Disobedience: "Unjust laws exist: shall we be content to obey them, or shall we endeavor to amend them, and obey them until we have succeeded, or shall we transgress them all at once?". I say to obey them until there is a better option present. Having self-satisfaction, or standing up for what one believes in, is a good thing, but hurting others, making others pay your taxes while you refuse, is ridiculous. I would never hurt others for my own happiness.
Clearly, these magnificent men hold many opinions, but which ones should we agree with? There is no answer for that. People will agree and disagree with these opinions forever, because we have our own opinions. Never, will there be a right answer for the many unanswered questions of society, but there can always be suggestions to help create temporary solutions for our problems, in my opinion at least.
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