Chapter 6 Conclusion
6.5 Why Does It Matter? – Its Academic and Practical Significance
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clarify Thoreau’s argument and accentuate the influence of Transcendentalism.
Undertaking a systematic categorical analysis, this study deciphers the text’s covert Transcendentalism. For example, Thoreau’s ability to transcend physical incarceration by embracing spiritual freedom represents his belief in the Over-Soul, while his repeated calls for conscientious action demonstrate his faith in Inner Divinity, etc.
This study provides abundant and relevant textual evidence from Thoreau’s text, underscoring his purpose by adopting a literary Transcendentalist perspective without distorting or misinterpreting his original intentions. In short, this study’s persuasive evidence is Thoreau’s text itself, which resonates with Transcendentalist Principles.
6.4.4 Credible Inferences
This study argues that Thoreau applies Transcendentalist Principles in “Civil Disobedience,” giving this political essay a Transcendentalist core. The detailed textual evidence presented in the study makes this a credible argument. By systematically examining the original text, this study shows that, in addition to its political dimensions, “Civil Disobedience” has mystical, moral, and practical dimensions. Finally, this study elucidates a Thoreauvian political triad: principled action leads to civil disobedience, revealing that Transcendentalism-based action defines Thoreauvian civil disobedience, which, in turn, generates a peaceable revolution. Carefully analyzing Thoreau’s intentions and word choice, this study provides comprehensive proof to support this argument.
6.5 Why Does It Matter? – Its Academic and Practical Significance
Within academia, this study is important because it 1) connects Thoreau’s “Civil Disobedience” to Transcendentalism in a meaningful way, 2) summarizes the four Transcendentalist Principles, and 3) proposes the Thoreauvian political triad.
Academically, I hope this study will benefit researchers interested in Thoreau, civil
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disobedience, or Transcendentalism. This study also has significance for daily life beyond the scholarly discourse. Civil disobedience remains necessary wherever dysfunctional governments hold power. The sad truth is that, two hundred years after Thoreau wrote “Civil Disobedience,” corruption, tyranny, and injustice continue to proliferate; in every era, however, people of rectitude stand in support of justice, conscience, and equality. For such individuals, this study describes a practical way to enact civil disobedience in their daily lives. In addition, this study shows ordinary readers that Transcendentalist ideas fundamentally inform Thoreauvian civil
disobedience. Transcendentalism was not merely a short-lived movement that ended two hundred years ago; it is still alive and still exerts considerable influence through the world-renowned and still widely read article, “Civil Disobedience.” This study also demonstrates how individuals can combine Transcendentalist ideals with political action, practice civil disobedience, and initiate peaceful revolution on a personal level, which is useful and feasible in daily life. Therefore, this study demonstrates the
continued importance of “Civil Disobedience” both within and outside of academia.
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