Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau, as central figures in the Transcendentalist movement of the mid-19th century, made significant contributions to the cultural and philosophical discourse of their era. Their writings profoundly impacted our understanding of humanity’s relationship with nature and personal freedom, a legacy that continues to reverberate in contemporary thought.

Ralph Waldo Emerson is perhaps most renowned for his essay “Nature”, in which he meticulously elaborated on the pillars of Transcendentalist philosophy. His work underscores the belief that communion with nature can bestow a more profound understanding of existence and evoke spiritual fulfillment. To Emerson, nature was not just a physical realm but a divine mirror reflecting profound truths, rejuvenating the human spirit. He intertwined his concept of freedom with this understanding of nature. For Emerson, nature was a sanctuary for the human spirit to explore without the constraints of societal norms and pressures.

Emerson once wrote, “In the woods, we return to reason and faith. There I feel that nothing can befall me in life, — no disgrace, no calamity, (leaving me my eyes,) which nature cannot repair.” This passage encapsulates his perception of nature as a haven of safety, solace, and, most significantly, freedom. It serves as a refuge where we can reconnect with our most authentic selves, devoid of societal expectations.

Henry David Thoreau, a close companion of Emerson, held similar views. Thoreau is predominantly remembered for his simple living experiment depicted in “Walden,” in which he spent two years in a cabin near Walden Pond, nestled in the wilderness. His venture into the wild was not merely about survival; instead, it symbolized a rebellion against societal expectations, a testament to self-reliance, and an exploration of personal freedom.

Thoreau’s notion of freedom was deeply interwoven with nature. The simplicity and self-sufficiency that a life in the wilderness provides he perceived as liberating. This lifestyle, unburdened by societal constructs, cultivates a type of freedom that nurtures the human spirit, inspires introspection, and fosters self-actualization.

He famously stated, “I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately, to front only the essential facts of life, and see if I could not learn what it had to teach, and not, when I came to die, discover that I had not lived. I did not wish to live what was not life, living is so dear; nor did I wish to practise resignation, unless it was quite necessary. I wanted to live deep and suck out all the marrow of life, to live so sturdily and Spartan-like as to put to rout all that was not life, to cut a broad swath and shave close, to drive life into a corner, and reduce it to its lowest terms…”

Thoreau’s venture into the wild was more than just a physical experiment; it was a deliberate pursuit of philosophical and spiritual exploration—an expression of freedom. He aspired to “live deep and suck out all the marrow of life,” implying his pursuit of pure life experiences and authentic self-realization, which he closely associated with freedom.

By advocating for a sturdy, Spartan-like life, Thoreau declared his belief in the virtues of simplicity, self-reliance, and resilience. These values were intrinsically linked to his concept of freedom. The ability to define and pursue one’s path, to encounter life in its rawest form, and to defy societal expectations was central to his philosophy.

Thoreau’s desire to “drive life into a corner, and reduce it to its lowest terms” signals his intention to distill life to its essentials, to understand its nucleus, and to be unencumbered by the superfluous. This corresponds with his view of freedom, which is based on the principle of essentialism. The liberty to concentrate on the basics, the unvarnished truths of existence, and to live in harmony with these truths was of utmost importance in his philosophy.

Both Emerson and Thoreau envisioned nature as a facilitator for attaining this brand of freedom. Amid the wilderness, free from societal constructs and pressures, they believed one could genuinely connect with oneself, live authentically, and experience a form of freedom that’s both deeply personal and universally relatable. This perspective continues to resonate today, providing a thought-provoking viewpoint on the interconnectedness of freedom, self-reliance, and our relationship with the natural world.