An influential literary movement in the 19th century, transcendentalism emphasized the wonders of nature and its deep connection to the divine. As two of the most prominent figures in the Transcendentalist movement, Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau wholeheartedly adhered to these principles. In their essays “Self-Reliance” and “Civil Disobedience,” Emerson and Thoreau respectively advocate individuality and self-expression in different ways. In “Self-Reliance,” Emerson calls on individuals to express their opinions and resist societal conformity, while in “Civil Disobedience,” Thoreau urged Americans to publicly express their opinions in order to improve their own government. Thoreau and Emerson argue that assertive opinions are essential to achieving a better society. Emerson denounces the danger of societal conformity and challenges the reader to “say what he thinks now with harsh words” in order to remedy it (Emerson 367). Similarly, Thoreau speculates that if “every man made known what kind of government would demand his respect,” it would be “a step toward obtaining that respect” (Thoreau 381). With these remarkably similar statements, both transcendentalists appeal to the reader's patriotism using language evocative of the agitated and outraged colonial Americans who demanded that the voice of the people be heard in government. Although published approximately half a century later, “Self-Reliance” and “Civil Disobedience” reflect the sentiments of famous Revolutionary-era leaders such as Thomas Paine and Patrick Henry. Additionally, both Emerson and Thoreau warn the reader of the dangers when individuality is threatened. marginalized. Emerson views society as a "conspiracy against the manhood of each of... middle of paper ... the law where each individual follows his own set of rules (Thoreau 381). Although he certainly favored individuality, Thoreau recognized that a democracy required public consensus and popular support. Although Emerson and Thoreau certainly had different opinions, they recognized the need for public debate and discourse. Emerson declares “insane consistency” to be “the hobgoblin of little minds” (Emerson 367). This is demonstrated in their essays “Self-Reliance” and “Civil Disobedience” in which they support individuality and self-expression. Despite their contrasting views on society and government, the two most prominent transcendentalists in literary history share a passionate belief in the necessity that every American must exercise their constitutional rights and make their views known, even and especially if it challenges the status quo..