Religion
What is the name of the all powerful being that Transcendentalists believe in?
The Over-Soul
Who is a specific example of someone that had transcendentalism within themselves?
Pythagoras, Socrates, Jesus, Dr. Martin Luther King, Galileo, Newton, etc. Anyone who stuck to their beliefs even though everyone misunderstood them and said they were wrong. "To be great is to be misunderstood" (Emerson).
How would a transcendentalist treat a stranger?
1. With Respect
2. As a new friend
What should one look past in order to attain a healthy relationship with a partner?
Physical Features
What are some of the principles that transcendentalists follow in relation to nature?
Note: You don't have to include all of them
Nature plays a role in our mood and interaction
You are never alone because you will always have nature, no matter what
We have an unconscious behavior towards nature
What did John Locke declare and what was his reasoning?
All ideas capable of conscious understanding were developed through interaction with the physical senses
If a person thinks constantly from one day to the next, is this a self transcendentalist relationship?
No, “A foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of little minds” (Emerson). A Transcendentalist would think freely, without worrying about someone questioning their consistency.
What is the best way to build a positive world for yourself?
Create lasting friendships which are mutually beneficial and emotionally stimulating.
Why is it important to realize we all have good and bad qualities?
Just because someone appears “good” or “bad” it does mean they are defined by these qualities.
How would someone being in a situation of being alone rely on nature?
They would view being alone is better than being in a company because you are never alone, since you have the aspect of nature within you.
When it came to a God did Transcendentalists believe in one powerful being, or a spirit of light that we all possess?
Trick question; the answer is both, Transcendentalists believed in one powerful god whose spirit was within all of us
You write a book and ask your friend to read over it. They say it’s terrible and will never get published. Would a transcendentalist give up their dream of being a writer?
No, they would not. to achieve true independence and greatness, the individual must learn not to fear the disapproval of society
Your friend wins first place in a race. You participate in the same race, but receive a fourth place. How would a transcendentalist react in this situation?
They would match their friend's excitement in regards to their achievement with reciprocal pride.
Scenario: Jerry Smith finally comes to the realization that he may need a divorce. He meets with a counselor, who asks him why he married his wife. Jerry Responds, “She was Prom queen, very popular, and the most beautiful girl in my highschool, so I married her right when we turned 18”. To a Transcendentalist, why might this marriage be determined to fail from the beginning?
Jerry chose his wife based on physical beauty and popularity as opposed to getting to know his partner and seeing is they truly like each other and be compatible.
Based on the beliefs of what transcendentalists believe, explain how nature can define who we are. Give examples relating to your aspects of nature and make sure you explain how specifically it defines you.
Answers may vary.
If the “over-soul” can be found in all things and people, is there a need for churches or holy places? If so, why do you think this and what is your evidence to back your answer?
The over soul is a holy thing, and if it is within all things there would technically be no need for “holy places” because there is “holy” within all people and things.
Would a Transcendentalist change themselves to fit into society?
No, they avoid conformity
You are walking down the sidewalk of a park when you see a man sitting on a bench alone, looking upset. How would a transcendentalist likely respond and what would they hope that that interaction would develop into?
They would approach the man with care and invite him to share his struggle. They would likely hope that that interaction would develop into a lasting friendship.
Scenario: Juan spends a great deal of time learning about his wife's interests and comparing them to his own. While she is socially beautiful, Juan does not care about these things. Justify why this would potentially be a good relationship.
They have spent much time together, and they have learned a lot about each other, they disregard physical features.
Scenario: Bob is taking a walk in the woods. He sees trees, twigs, and grass and feels the warm wind pass by him. Based on what you know about how transcendentalists view nature, describe his feelings relating to what he sees and how it affects him.
Answers may vary, based on Margarita.
Scenario: What is believed to be perhaps Henry David Thoreau’s most Transcendental moment was when he witnessed himself existing separate from his body on a trip to Mt. Katahdin in 1846. What makes Thoreau’s experience transcendental and how does this “out of body experience” relate to the “over soul” (spiritual presence that pervades all aspects of man and nature)
Thoreau’s experience obviously pervaded all aspects of man and nature and could even be classified as “unnatural”. It can be inferred that the “Over-Soul” wanted Thoreau for some reason to witness this strange event.
You are making a group project for the science fair. You have a crazy idea that might not even work. Would a transcendentalist voice their idea to the group or reject their inner thoughts?
They would voice their idea to the group. - Listening to the inner whispers can lead to great discoveries
Who would a transcendentalist value more, an old friend or a new friend?
Trick question: they would both be valued the same. You would make a new friend in the hopes that they will one day be that old friend, and you will respond to them with equal respect, regardless of the age of that relationship.
Create a scenario in which someone has a poor relationship, and another where they have a great relationship.
Answer will be personally determined by Arkin.
Create a scenario involving a person’s interpretation of nature impacting their everyday lives and how they can connect with their society with it.
Answers may vary.