Technology and Transcendentalism in the 21st Century

Transcendentalism toady is still very prominent, a very important aspect in the 21st century that relates to it involves technology. I believe all the technological advancements have both complimented and contradicted the ideas of the Transcendentalists. Anybody that has access to this technology such as blogs, social networks, etc. can put their ideas out for the rest of the world to view, critique, and refine. However, doing this also makes it easier for people to take the ideas of others instead of putting their own input into them before claiming it as their own. Technology has also taken over many tasks that humans have done themselves, some for the better and worse of human kind. For example, text messaging and e-mail has made it easier for people far away to communicate, but at the same time it is less special opposed to a visit in person or a simple phone call, which would be more along the traits of transcendentalism. If people only used technology in a way to exercise the positive aspects or many constructive traits of transcendentalism, the present day would benefit greatly.

Elections and American Exceptionalism

In case you're interested, here's an interesting editorial about American exceptionalism that relates pretty directly to what we discussed early on this trimester (and to today's election).

21st Century Transcendentalism Importance?

In today's society, I believe that Transcendentalist thought still offers some important values. It is important to countenance individuality, especially due to the forced conformity in today's culture. In the 21st century, there is a lack of compromise that makes individuality meaningless. If we don't utilize individual thoughts, society will become very conformed. Although it is important to have order in society, it is not necessary to be conformed. This is where it is essential to differ in Transcendentalist beliefs and applying Transcendentalist thought to modern day. Although Transcendentalism offers some good values, such as the importance of valuing nature, it also calls for anarchy. I do not believe anarchy is beneficial in today's society. But if we are able to separate the good beliefs of Transcendentalism from the bad, I believe it could help our world greatly.

Transcendentalism Today

I think that Transcendentalism is still very relevant today. Some of the qualities such as the advocacy of anarchy are impractical but I think that they "self-reliance" component is very important. With all of the information available to us, via television, and the Internet, it is of the utmost importance that we all step back and evaluate this information for ourselves. It is so easy to accept what we have been told, and adopts it as our own. But through this construction, we may have beliefs that are not true, and we may not even really believe in them negating their strength. I have this fear that someday our world will be filled with people who never learned to think for themselves and only allowed themselves to be swayed by ostentatious presentation, and in this world, change will be made by a few people instead of many, leading to a corrupt world. I think that utilizing transcendentalism could help us avoid this dangerous path.