An influential literary movement in the nineteenth century, Transcendentalism emphasized the wonder of nature and its profound connection to the divine. As the two most important figures of the Transcendentalist movement, Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau wholeheartedly embraced these principles. In their essays “Self-Reliance” and “Civil Disobedience,” Emerson and Thoreau, respectively, advocate individuality and personal expression in different ways. In "Self-Reliance", Emerson calls on individuals to express their opinion and resist social conformity, while in "Civil Disobedience" Thoreau urges Americans to publicly declare their opinions in order to improve their government. Both Thoreau and Emerson argue that stating one's opinions is essential to achieving a better society. Emerson denounces the danger of social conformity and challenges the reader to “express what you think now in harsh words” to remedy it (Emerson 367). Likewise, Thoreau hypothesizes that if “every man would make known what kind of government would deserve his respect” it would be “a step towards obtaining it” (Thoreau 381). With these strikingly similar statements, both transcendentalists appeal to the reader's patriotism by using language evocative of the agitated and indignant American colonialists who demanded that the voice of the people be heard in government. Although published nearly half a century later, “Self-Reliance” and “Civil Disobedience” reflect the sentiments of famous Revolutionary-era leaders such as Thomas Paine and Patrick Henry. Furthermore, Emerson and Thoreau warn the reader of the dangers when individuality is questioned. marginalized. Emerson sees society as a “conspiracy against the manhood of each of… middle of paper… the law in which each individual follows his own set of rules (Thoreau 381). While certainly pro-individuality, Thoreau recognizes that a democracy requires public consent and popular support. While Emerson and Thoreau certainly have differing opinions, they recognize the need for discussion and public discourse. Emerson declares that “a foolish consistency” is “the hobgoblin of little minds” (Emerson 367). This is demonstrated in their essays “Self-Reliance” and “Civil Disobedience” where they advocate individuality and personal expression. Despite their conflicting views of society and government, the two most important transcendentalists in literary history share a passionate belief in the need for every American to exercise his or her constitutional rights and make his or her views known even and especially if he or she challenges the status quo...