Hi there! My name is Henry David Thoreau, and this is my little house by Walden Pond. I am a top supporter of and Spokesperson of Transcendentalism. Couldn't be prouder!
So what exactly is Transcendentalism, you ask? Transcendentalism is form of Romanticism and is comprised of a loose set of principles. We believe in the "unity of creation, the goodness of humanity, and the supremacy of insight over logic and reason and experience for uncovering truth".
Transcendentalists especially praise nature. It's just so beautiful! We believe that a divine nature, the Over-Soul, permeates everything. It is our God. My strong adherence to Transcendentalism is why I refuse to pay a poll-tax that will help support the Mexican War. One cannot trust everything one's government asks, after all! But, enough about me. Let' s meet my acquaintances, George Ripley and Nathaniel Hawthorne at Brook Farm.
How goes it at the farm, gentlemen?
I can't say. I'm just here on a visit. I left within the first month. I simply couldn't concentrate on my writing! So how does it go, George?
Well, to tell you the truth, it has been a rough year. Six years in and things just keep on getting crazier and crazier!
We have dealt with sickness and debt. Thank goodness for the unity among the community here. Intellectuals, teachers, craftsmen, and children alike have striven to survive. And we have! We have added new dormitories, and now my dream seems feasible! That is why you hear so much celebrating. If anything should happen to our new buildings, we will be over with! But I doubt it will.
The great Over-Soul has surely blessed the farm!
Oh no! It appears the new buildings are on fire!
Perhaps it is best I left. Tragedy is an essential part of life
That is terrible!
That is the absolute worst thing that could have happened! Out of new life comes death! Now I will surely have to shut down!