What do John Muir, Ralph Waldo Emerson and Thoreau all have in common? They are all famous wilderness writers. All three enjoyed the benefits of being in nature, along with being independent and self-reliant. They all are famous Transcendentalists. Transcendentalism was a famous philosophical movement that sought to create self-reliant, individualistic societies through exploring the inner workings of oneself.
Digital History says, "The transcendentalists shared a common outlook: a belief that each person contains infinite and godlike potentialities; an emphasis on emotion and the senses over reason and intellect; and a glorification of nature as a creative, dynamic force in which people could discover their true selves and commune with the supernatural." This movement was born out of a desire to become the best version of oneself, and that was through connecting with nature. It was also a spiritual movement as well. Thoreau's famous cabin was a way for him to work on himself in solitude. Through conservation, John Muir wanted to preserve the environment, and he was responsible for creating many national parks. Ralph Waldo Emerson created the Transcendental Club, which was the basis of all Transcendentalism.
Creativity and nature go hand in hand for these three Transcendentalists. Creativity by itself is fickle. It's a force that can strike when one least expects it. Through grounding it, one can use it to not only create for good or for evil, but for the sake of creation itself. For example, the Coop Concept created garden beds and picnic tables for Chambers Elementary School, so that the kids could enjoy plants and sit outside. This was an act that helped people, for the sake of doing the right thing. Helping people feels good, therefore it's a positive feedback loop.
In the end, creativity, nature, and Transcendentalism all are intertwined with the human experience. While Transcendentalism most likely is not practiced today, the act of connecting with nature and with others can inspire creativity within oneself. Nature is a very good tool to help unwind, inspire, and grow as a person.
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