Lao Tse's statements, that he was certainly well versed in the concepts explained in the earlier work, and accepted its major precept, that all things are always in a state (or process) of change" (Rosenthal 1).
             Transcendentalism is a western idea that was said to be created by two great philosophers: Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau-who has been called a "Western Taoist" by many. The philosophy itself is based upon individuality and self-reliance. Thoreau composed a book entitled Walden-a volume of his personal experiences during his endeavor to find his own personal truths. It includes sections on essential living which is something also included in Taoist works. Thoreau was often thought of as Emerson's muse, since both men had great minds and had similar views on life. The two often collaborated and much of Thoreau's work echoes Emerson's transcendental ideals.
             Thoreau experienced firsthand the idea of essential living: to live minimally and still be content, and this was the main influence of his book enti
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