Abstract: The idea of transcendentalism was very popular in the middle of 19th century and its influence is still well embraced nowadays in America. Represented by Emerson and Thoreau, transcendentalism is closely related with the issue of ethics, emphasizing the idea of individualism, the divinity of nature. Meanwhile, these philosophers who educate people through their own concrete actions encourage people to lead a simple life and honest ethic codes. Walden, Thoreau’s masterpiece, is based on Thoreau’s experience at Walden Pond where he lived alone for twenty six months. Thoreau’s way of simple living provides a good way for us to get rid of spiritual crises and live a meaningful life. From this famous work, we can fully grasp the core of Thoreau’s idea about Transcendentalism, that is, people could have a direct communication with God through nature. Divinity existed in human beings and therefore, people should thoroughly exert their own creativity. This paper analyzes the theme of Transcendentalism from four different aspects, the rebellion attitude toward religion, the emphasis of individual, the hatred toward industrialization, and the appeal to returning to nature. A thematic analysis of Thoreau’s Walden will help us to suck the marrow of American culture.
Key words: transcendentalism, Thoreau, Walden, nature
摘要：超验主义思想在美国盛行于19世纪中期，但它在美国的影响至今依然盛行。以爱默生、梭罗等人为代表的美国超验主义伦理思想家重视伦理问题的探讨，强调思想自立性和自然神圣性在伦理学中的地位，重视道德实践，呼吁人类追求简朴、自然、坦诚的道德生活。梭罗的著作《瓦尔登湖》记录了他独自在瓦尔登湖畔生活26个月的经历。梭罗简朴的生活方式向人们提供了解决精神危机的途径，倡导人们过有意义的生活。从这篇名著我们可以获知梭罗对于超验主义的核心思想，即人与上帝间可以直接通过自然这个载体进行直接的交流，人性中具有神性，人们需要发挥充分的主观能动性。本文从四个方面深入分析了《瓦尔登湖》中超验主义的本质，对传统宗教束缚的反抗继而提倡发挥个人的主观能动性，反对工业化进程对自然的亵渎，要求人们回归自然，崇尚自然。对主题的深入研究会让我们对美国文化有进一步的了解。
关键词：超验主义，梭罗，《瓦尔登湖》，自然
