Transcendentalism remains relevant today, with the principle of being close to nature being widely practiced. However, many individuals fail to recognize the significant influence of this particular belief. Even those who possess a small sense of transcendentalism are often perplexed by its existence. This can be observed through the movies children watch, the songs people listen to, and the stories that are read.
According to Ralph Waldo Emerson, Transcendentalists have had a much greater influence than they originally anticipated. In his words, “Nature is a setting that fits equally well a comic or a mourning piece” (Emerson 1). This idea is exemplified in the movie The Lion King 2: Simba’s Pride, particularly when Kovu is teaching Kiara how to hunt. Kovu advises her to dig her claws silently into the earth, highlighting her use of nature as a learning tool, representing the “mourning piece” (Emerson 1).
In order for her to develop her skills, she must remain fully focused on nature. It is also evident that she must connect with the earth to gain knowledge of hunting. According to Emerson, the fields and woods offer a profound connection between humans and plants. This implies that people should appreciate nature for providing sustenance and gain wisdom from it. Therefore, Kiara is learning how to hunt by immersing herself in the teachings of nature.
Throughout this same movie, the song “We Are One” demonstrates transcendentalistic ideals that highlight the interconnectedness of all things through the over-soul. If individuals learn from nature, then they are bound together by the over-soul. Nature plays a crucial role in completing human society. As Emerson states, “The flowers, the animals, the mountains, reflected the wisdom of his best hour…” (1). In Michelle Paver’s book, Wolf Brother, the collaborative efforts of a young boy named Torak and his wolf-cub are instrumental in overcoming the malevolent forces threatening their homeland.
Emerson’s book highlights the idea that people can harness nature’s power, which is similar to what the boy achieves with his cub. The quote’s reference to the “best hour” symbolizes the boy’s triumphant conquest with his cub. Throughout their endeavor, they harbor a sense of duty to safeguard their world, reminiscent of the transcendental emotions Torak and his cub experience. They perceive a connection to all beings, akin to the concept of the over soul.
Torak learns to combat the dangers that jeopardize his community by immersing himself in nature (Blog, 1). The poem “The Soul Meets Nature” depicts how society has separated individuals from their primal instincts. Nature acts as a reflection of the human soul and unveils the hidden animalistic nature within each individual (Blog 1). By connecting with nature, humans gain insight into their true selves (Emerson 1). While the sun only brightens the eyes of adults, it illuminates both the eyes and hearts of children (Emerson 1).
According to Emerson, children possess an inherent calmness and freedom from stress, but unfortunately, this diminishes as they get older. This disconnection from nature’s true importance can be fixed by immersing oneself in the natural world. Through this immersion, adults can relax and gain a deeper understanding of their own identity and place in the bigger scheme of existence. Emerson expresses this idea when he says, “When we talk about nature like this, we have a clear but very poetic sense in mind” (Emerson 1). Now it is clear that transcendentalism through nature still exists today, eliminating any need for individuals to doubt their own innate transcendental qualities.
Nature is a powerful force that influences people’s lives and can be found in various forms of media, like movies, songs, and literature. Transcendentalism demonstrates the presence of nature. It is shown through different examples, such as a lion hunting or a boy going on an adventure with his cub. Even a blind person can experience transcendentalism through nature. Nature represents the essence of life and teaches valuable lessons. Ralph Waldo Emerson explains that man’s dominion over nature should not be taken for granted, just like how a blind person gradually regains their sight without much astonishment (Emerson, 2).
