Transcendentalism and the Libertarian Party

       While reading the selections from Emerson and Thoreau, I noticed a common element: independence. Independence is what many believe makes a person successful. Before the days when government interfered in almost every element of the lives of American citizens, the most respected figures in society were totally self-reliant and idolized for their independence.
       Key figures in American history stressed the importance of independence. People like Thomas Jefferson, Thomas Paine, and even Henry David Thoreau have been credited with the famous quote, "That government is best which governs least." Though it is not sure which one of these men actually said this quote, I am sure they would all agree on its meaning. (http://www.quotecounterquote.com/2010/06/that-government-is-best-which-governs.html)

       A modern-day kind of transcendentalism is seen in the Libertarian party. Libertarians (like Congressman Ron Paul, pictured above) believe in the rights of the individual. My history professor once said that the view of Libertarians about government is "Pick up my trash, don't let anyone mess with my property, and leave me alone." Libertarians believe that people should be allowed to do pretty much whatever they want as long as they do not infringe on the rights of others. (http://www.libertarianism.com/content/libertarianism-101/lib_101)
       People like Ron Paul believe in doing away with taxes and adopting a foreign policy in which we do not help other countries unless we are directly affected. These same ideas can be seen in the work of transcendentalists. They are against powerful governments and societies. In "Self-Reliance" by Ralph Waldo Emerson, he says, "Society everywhere is in conspiracy against the manhood of every one of its members."

       So what about charity and helping others? Libertarians believe that the decision to give to private charities is left up to to the individual, but should not be required by the government through welfare programs. (http://www.libertarian.co.uk/lapubs/econn/econn110.htm) Transcendentalists seemed to believe that charity in general does more harm than good. They believed that the well-being of others was not their responsibility, like Emerson saying, "Are they my poor?"
       Transcendentalism and Libertarianism can both seem like harsh ways to view society. Though Libertarianism is not quite as extreme as transcendentalism, it has very similar key elements. It is probably safe to say that government policies, like welfare and taxation, will never be radically changed the way Libertarians would like. However, if Libertarians continue to be elected, some of their policy changes could show up soon.

This is what Libertarians believe from the perspective of a Libertarian:


Sources:
Picture 1: http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/9d/Ron_Paul,_official_Congressional_photo_portrait,_2007.jpg/220px-Ron_Paul,_official_Congressional_photo_portrait,_2007.jpg
Picture 2: http://amptoons.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/libertarian_housepets.png
Picture 3: http://garretr1112.edublogs.org/files/2012/01/tumblr_lmr5kznjtJ1qjda9lo1_500-14yjzs5.jpg
Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PgTnjTm3YhQ