In the 1800's, transcendentalists were just as counter culture as any 'hippie' from the 1960's. These transcendentalists focused on things as individuals, they were not quite on the same page as most of the people who lives in the twentieth century. Their basic hypothesis was similar to the average person, and that is attempting to make a change for what they believed in. Yet the transcendentalists believed in questioning of authority, looking inside of yourself and deciding what is right for you, and not concerning yourself with fitting in to the status quo. These people would use essays and poetry to express their thoughts and feelings. Today it is not uncommon to find traces of transcendentalism in everyday music playing on the radio.
             For example the song "Lose Yourself" from Eminems' 8mile sound track has many clear lines of transcendentalist beliefs. Teaching of dignity of manual labor was a very common theme among early transcendentalists work, along with the reoccurring theme of the value of individuality, non conformity and free thought. "And these times are so hear and its getting even harder trying to feed and water my seed"- with this line Eminem shares with his audience that he works for what he has and even someone of the wealthier class has had their struggles to take care of their families. Majority of people in the world hit a rough patch at least once in their life, yet all if not most of the time if the person is willing to work hard and get back on the right track things normally turn around for them. 'No more games I'ma change what you call rage'- this is a clear statement of individuality. He is basically saying that he is willing to do whatever it may be that he needs to do regardless of what others are going to have to say about it.
             Many transcendentalist pieces advocate self reliance and simplicity. These kinds of people believe that the only person that someone ...