Transcendentalism holds the view that political and religious structures tend to corrupt the purity of society members. Transcendentalism focuses on self-reliance as a way that people can attain both their independence and best wellbeing. Idealism, the divinity of nature and individualism are the primary. The work, The Hero’s Quest and the Cycles of Nature, offers an evaluation of these determines and explore ways that the impacts on human beings. The Hero’s Quest and the Cycles of Nature notes that in the heroic mythology journey, a person must confront the mythic underworld and equally contends with mortality and makes sacrifices through the embracing of death as part of nature. It holds that nothing wholly disappears in nature, but there is the realization of continuous life. There is a stress on the need to be in harmony with nature as a way of attaining a more fulfilling life.

The reading infers that there is an interconnection between human beings, plants, and animals.  Rather than viewing death as a loss, there is the definition of death as a form of sacrifice that allows for a higher level of individualism and wellbeing. In chapter four, the book covers both the resurrection and the natural apotheosis of the botanical hero thus highlighting the continuous nature of life.  The description conforms to the tenets of Transcendentalism such as the inherent goodness of human beings and the importance of the individualism. It regards the soul as playing the role of uniting both the universe and humanity.  Moreover, through the reliance on one’s intuition, there is the possibility of having a better understanding of the world. Stability and peaceful coexistence among the society members can thus be attained through Transcendentalism.

Response to Student’s Post

The argument that understanding of Transcendentalism calls for the equal understanding of both the belief in God and religion is well informed.  The argument rests on the fact that there is a close connection between religion and the soul which contributes to the uniting of humanity and the universe.  On the other hand, referring to The Imp of the Perverse by Edgar Allan Poe is insightful in understanding Transcendentalism.   There is also the reference to the logical/ intellectual man as setting himself to imagine designs and dictate the purpose of God wholly.  The text is informative as it infers that the recognition of God would aid in understanding the reason for the existence of human beings. I agree with the view that religion aids people to understand their conception and purpose in life.

Additionally, I concur with the view that in most cases, human beings tend to miss their purpose in life. The distinction between humanity and the universe makes it challenging for a man to understand the conception or purpose of life. The indication in Poe’ story that “The most important crisis of our life calls, trumpet-tongued, for immediate energy and action. We glow; we are consumed with eagerness to commence the work, with the anticipation of whose glorious result our whole souls are on fire” (p.2). helps support as well as develop this argument.  The post offers an information conclusion by referring to the connection between religion and Transcendentalism. Elements such as idealism and individualism are cited as playing an essential role in ensuring that human beings attain a higher quality of life and wellbeing.