The great transcendentalist had ideas and thoughts that were, at the time, thought to be crazy. Both Emerson and Thoreau focused on not being a follower and doing wheat you believe is right. Self-Reliance, Civil Disobedience, Walden, and The Night Thoreau Spent in Jail all show this idea, which all transcendentalists had at that time.
             Self-Reliance by Waldo Emerson shows many ideas of the transcendentalist however two ideas seem emphasized. Right away he says people should not be followers. "...envy is ignorance; that imitation is suicide"(Emerson 366). Also he says people should do what they think is right. "Trust thyself, every heart vibrates to that iron string"(Emerson 366).
             Civil Disobedience by Henry Thoreau shows his feelings about the government. He is showing his transcendentalist ideas by openly protesting the Mexican War which very few people were saying anything about. "Witness the present Mexican War, the work of comparatively a few individuals using the standing government as their tool...."(Thoreau 380). He spoke out against the government during a time when it was almost a sin against God to do that. He says speak out against the government if you feel the need and that way it will get changed. "Let every man make known what kind of government would command his respect, and that will be one step towards obtaining it...."(Thoreau 381).
             Walden, another book by Thoreau, is about when he lives on a pond. The setting alone shows the idea of not following other people by living by himself on the pond. However he says do not follow society for as long as possible. "As long as possible live free and uncommitted"(Thoreau 375). Later on he talks about responsibilities and how we should focus on improving ourselves. "If we do not get our sleepers, and forge the rails, and devote days and nights to the work, but go tinkering u
             ...