Self-Reliance

Transcendentalism involved new ideas in literature, religion, culture, and philosophy. It emerged in New England during the early to middle 19th century. Transcendentalism began as a form of protest against general culture and society. Among the many Transcendentalist beliefs there was the spiritual state that "transcends" the individual. This can only be discovered through that person's intuition. Ralph Waldo Emerson was the founder of Transcendentalism. He is known for his great works of literature including poems and essays. In one of his essays, titles Self Reliance, he makes the statement "To be great is to be misunderstood." This is true of most if not all great people throughout history including Martin Luther King Jr. Although we see this man as an outstanding person, while he was fighting for his cause many did not and could not understand his purpose.

Martin Luther King Jr. was one of the most influential leaders of the American Civil Rights movement. He worked as a Baptist and became a civil rights activist early in his career. In 1963, King stood before the nation in Washington DC where he delivered his "I Have a Dream" speech. This speech raised consciousness of the movement throughout the country and established him as one of the greatest speakers in American history. In today's society most Americans of every color look at King as a legend and as a hero. As a leader for American civil rights, his greatest goal was to achieve black equality throughout the nation. His rivals consisted mostly of white's who strongly opposed those of color existing in their communities. Although the majority of the white population disagreed with King, a small percentage supported him and his beliefs. The population of non supporters of King could not understand why he was fighting so hard for what he believed in. Many whites, at the time, could not grasp the concept or purpose of King's ideas, hopes and dreams.