Transcendentalism; Are you a Transcendentalist?

Transcendentalism was a philosophy that surfaced in the 1900's by the Europeans. Transcendentalists believe in the inherent goodness of both people and nature. They contradict the idea at the time, communism, and believe more in individualism. The philosophy preaches that society and its institutions—particularly organized religion and political parties—ultimately corrupt the purity of the individual. People are at their best when truly "self-reliant" and independent and it is only from such real individuals that true community could be formed. While transcendentalists did view society as wasting away thanks to wayward political institutions and a lack of spiritual awareness, the writings of the transcendentalists are generally optimistic. Transcendentalists expressed their social criticism and moral disgust with society but believed that people are good and have a purpose to serve while on earth. Historical accounts of civil disobedience, such as the Abolitionist Movement and the Women's Right Movement, are considered to be societal Transendentalism. Since transendentalists beleived the system tobe corrupted, these movements are seen as rebellion.

For me, organized western religion seems to be an outdated cult. Like history is interpreted, so can the writings of God-- pretty obvious in the serman "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God".  Looking at the tangible facts, there is no proof that a God exists. Why put all faith and happiness in something that might not exist? Individuals exist, why not let happiness come from within? Like a transendentalist, I align more with the values of eastern religions such as Hinduism and Buddhism. One large aspect of Budhism I beleive in is Karma, with every action you take there are repercussions. When a person has lived up to good Karma, an individual can reach Enlightenment. Enlightenment is the ultimate goal of the Budhist religion and can be reached by searching yourself through meditation and treating others how you would want to be treated. Shouldn't we all want to live up to Enlightenment?

But rebellion isn't always a bad thing. It takes the independent thinking of transendentalism to realize government corruption, plus society as a whole benefits. I don't beleive that the people in government are corrupt, but are a reflection of the society we live in. When it comes down to it, government officials are a mere reflection of society. Looking at current events from a transendentalist view, police officers themselves aren't corrupt, but the system is. Some people are putting their furry for corruption directly towards the police individuals, saying they personally are racists and evil. Ralph Waldo Emerson is rolling in his grave for their narrowmindednesss. He would not condone civil disobedience if it was done right, but what we're doing now is not very transendentalist.

I wouldn't be offended if someone called me a transendentalist, in fact I would probably agree.