Walt Whitman and Henry David Thoreau are two towering figures in American literature, both of whom shaped and embodied distinct but interrelated schools of thought during the 19th century. Whitman, renowned for his groundbreaking poetry, and Thoreau, a key figure in Transcendentalism and naturalist philosophy, were instrumental in defining the intellectual and cultural identity of the United States in their time. Despite their differences in literary forms and styles, the two shared deep philosophical convictions and influences that shaped their work.
To understand the genius behind Whitman’s Leaves of Grass and Thoreau’s Walden, it is essential to explore the major influences that helped define their vision. In this article, we will examine the key factors, individuals, and intellectual movements that left a profound mark on their writings, including Transcendentalism, Romanticism, Eastern philosophies, and their deep engagement with nature. Additionally, we will look at their influence on each other, as well as the broader cultural and political landscape that informed their work.
Transcendentalism: The Heartbeat of Thoreau and Whitman’s Thought
Perhaps the most significant shared influence on both Henry David Thoreau and Walt Whitman was Transcendentalism, an intellectual and spiritual movement that arose in the 1830s and 1840s in New England. Transcendentalists, led by figures such as Ralph Waldo Emerson, sought to transcend the limitations of empirical reasoning and materialism, advocating instead for a deeper connection between humans, nature, and the divine.
1. Emerson’s Role in Shaping Thoreau and Whitman’s Thought
Ralph Waldo Emerson’s essays, particularly Nature (1836) and Self-Reliance (1841), became foundational texts for the Transcendentalist movement and had a profound impact on both Thoreau and Whitman. Emerson argued that individuals could achieve a higher understanding of truth through intuition and personal experience rather than through established doctrine or tradition. This emphasis on self-reliance, individualism, and the interconnectedness of nature would echo throughout Thoreau’s and Whitman’s works.
For Thoreau, Emerson was not just a philosophical influence but a personal mentor. The two shared a close friendship, and Thoreau frequently contributed to Emerson’s journal, The Dial, which was the primary publication for Transcendentalist writings. Thoreau’s work Walden, a reflection on simple living in natural surroundings, is imbued with Emerson’s philosophy of self-reliance and spiritual transcendence. Thoreau’s experiment of living in isolation near Walden Pond can be seen as a practical application of Emerson’s ideals, an attempt to strip away societal influences and connect directly with nature and the divine.
Whitman, on the other hand, was never a formal member of the Transcendentalist circle, but Emerson’s influence on his poetry is unmistakable. Emerson famously wrote to Whitman in praise of Leaves of Grass, describing it as “the most extraordinary piece of wit and wisdom that America has yet contributed.” Whitman’s poetry, with its celebration of the individual and its spiritual reverence for nature, can be seen as a poetic manifestation of Transcendentalist thought. Like Emerson, Whitman viewed the self as expansive, interconnected with the world and the universe at large, a theme that is central to Song of Myself.
2. The Importance of Nature in Transcendentalist Thought
Both Thoreau and Whitman shared the Transcendentalist belief in nature as a source of spiritual truth and moral guidance. For Thoreau, this was evident in his writings on naturalism and his deep connection to the environment in Walden. His approach to nature was both practical and philosophical, believing that immersion in the natural world could free one from the constraints of society and inspire personal growth.
Whitman’s relationship with nature was more cosmic and mystical. In Leaves of Grass, nature serves as a metaphor for the unity of all things, from the grass beneath our feet to the stars in the heavens. His descriptions of the body, the senses, and the soul are all deeply intertwined with the natural world, presenting nature not just as a backdrop but as a living, breathing entity that informs human existence.
Romanticism: The Poetry of the Self and the Sublime
Romanticism, a broader European literary and cultural movement that spanned the late 18th and early 19th centuries, also played a significant role in shaping the works of Whitman and Thoreau. Romanticism emphasized the individual’s emotional and imaginative responses to the world, as well as the sublime, the awe-inspiring aspects of nature and human experience. While Romanticism’s influence was more directly felt in European authors like William Wordsworth and Samuel Taylor Coleridge, its ideals were deeply embedded in the American Transcendentalist movement and, by extension, in the works of Thoreau and Whitman.
1. The Celebration of the Self
Romanticism’s focus on the individual, particularly the inner workings of the mind and the emotional depth of the soul, resonated strongly with both Thoreau and Whitman. For Thoreau, this manifested in his introspective musings on solitude, individualism, and personal freedom. In Walden, he famously writes, “I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately, to front only the essential facts of life, and see if I could not learn what it had to teach, and not, when I came to die, discover that I had not lived.” This passage highlights Thoreau’s belief in the importance of personal experience and self-discovery, key tenets of Romanticism.
Whitman, on the other hand, took Romanticism’s celebration of the self to new heights in his poetry. Leaves of Grass is a monumental ode to the individual, with Whitman placing himself at the center of the universe, yet paradoxically merging his identity with that of humanity as a whole. His use of free verse, a radical departure from traditional poetic forms, allowed him to express his thoughts and feelings in a way that was unbound by convention, mirroring the Romantic emphasis on the freedom of expression.
2. The Sublime in Nature
The concept of the sublime—an overwhelming sense of awe or wonder, often provoked by nature’s vastness or beauty—was central to Romanticism and is a theme that runs through the works of both Thoreau and Whitman. For Thoreau, nature was a source of inspiration and reflection, and his time at Walden Pond was filled with moments of sublimity as he marveled at the simplicity and beauty of the natural world. Thoreau’s meticulous observations of the changing seasons, the behavior of animals, and the quiet stillness of the woods capture the essence of the sublime in his prose.
Whitman, too, was drawn to the sublime, though his approach was more expansive and cosmic. In his poetry, nature is often portrayed as a vast, interconnected web of life, with the poet himself acting as a conduit through which the beauty and wonder of the universe are expressed. In Song of Myself, Whitman writes, “I believe a leaf of grass is no less than the journey-work of the stars,” a line that encapsulates his view of nature as both humbling and awe-inspiring.
Eastern Philosophies: The Influence of Hinduism and Buddhism
Both Thoreau and Whitman were also influenced by Eastern philosophies, particularly Hinduism and Buddhism, which offered alternative perspectives on spirituality, the self, and the natural world. The Transcendentalists, including Emerson and Thoreau, were among the first Americans to study and incorporate Eastern thought into their work, and this influence is evident in their writings.
1. Thoreau’s Engagement with Eastern Thought
Thoreau was deeply interested in Hindu and Buddhist texts, which he read during his time at Walden Pond. His journal entries and writings from this period reveal a profound respect for the spiritual teachings of the Bhagavad Gita and Buddhist scriptures, particularly their emphasis on simplicity, meditation, and the idea of detachment from material concerns.
In Walden, Thoreau often reflects on the idea of non-attachment, a central tenet of both Hinduism and Buddhism. His decision to live simply and remove himself from the distractions of society can be seen as an attempt to achieve a state of mindfulness and spiritual clarity, similar to the practices of Eastern mystics. Thoreau’s respect for the cyclical nature of life, his appreciation for stillness, and his pursuit of inner peace all echo the teachings of Eastern philosophy.
2. Whitman’s Universalism and the Influence of Eastern Thought
Whitman’s engagement with Eastern philosophy is more subtle but no less significant. His poetry reflects a universalist approach to spirituality, drawing from a variety of religious and philosophical traditions, including Hinduism and Buddhism. In Leaves of Grass, Whitman celebrates the unity of all beings and the interconnectedness of life, themes that resonate with Eastern ideas of oneness and the dissolution of the self into the greater whole.
Whitman’s belief in reincarnation and the eternal nature of the soul, which he expresses in poems like “Crossing Brooklyn Ferry” and “Song of Myself,” also reflects his engagement with Hinduism. Like Thoreau, Whitman was drawn to the idea of the eternal cycle of life and death, seeing the self as part of a larger, cosmic process that transcends individual existence.
Political and Social Context: Democracy, Abolition, and Individual Rights
Beyond the philosophical and literary influences on Thoreau and Whitman, the political and social landscape of 19
th-century America also played a crucial role in shaping their thought. Both writers were deeply engaged with the democratic ideals of their time, and their works reflect a commitment to individual freedom, social justice, and the abolition of slavery.
1. Thoreau’s Political Activism and Civil Disobedience
Thoreau was an outspoken critic of slavery and the Mexican-American War, and his essay Civil Disobedience (1849) became a foundational text for later movements advocating for nonviolent resistance. In this essay, Thoreau argues that individuals have a moral duty to resist unjust laws and government actions, a stance that was directly influenced by his Transcendentalist beliefs in personal integrity and self-reliance.
Thoreau’s commitment to social justice is also evident in his work with the Underground Railroad, helping escaped slaves on their journey to freedom. His political activism was driven by a belief in the sanctity of the individual and the moral imperative to resist oppression, ideas that would resonate with later generations of civil rights activists.
2. Whitman’s Vision of Democracy and Equality
Whitman’s poetry, particularly Leaves of Grass, is a celebration of American democracy and the potential for equality and freedom. He saw himself as the poet of the common man, writing in a language that was accessible and inclusive, reflecting the democratic ideals of the nation. Whitman’s work is imbued with a sense of optimism and possibility, even in the face of the deep political divisions and injustices of his time.
While Whitman was not as overtly political as Thoreau, his poetry reflects a deep commitment to the ideals of democracy and individual rights. His belief in the fundamental equality of all people, regardless of race, gender, or social status, is a recurring theme in his work, and his vision of America as a place of unity and shared humanity continues to inspire readers today.
Conclusion: A Legacy of Influence and Innovation
The works of Walt Whitman and Henry David Thoreau are rooted in a rich tapestry of philosophical, literary, and social influences, from Transcendentalism and Romanticism to Eastern thought and the political struggles of their time. Both writers were pioneers in their fields, breaking new ground in poetry and prose while advocating for individual freedom, social justice, and a deeper connection to nature and the self.
Through their writings, Thoreau and Whitman have left an indelible mark on American literature and thought, shaping the intellectual landscape of the nation and inspiring generations of writers, thinkers, and activists. Their works continue to resonate with readers today, offering timeless reflections on the nature of individuality, democracy, and the human spirit.
