Imagine, if you will, a society where the theory of Transcendentalism reigns. Everyone would abide by it, everyone would believe it. Since Transcendentalism is the theory that everyone, if given the proper chance, would do good, and that man is essentially good, it is then true that the society that would be created by living by this theory would be a very nice place. Everyone would go about as they pleased, since what would be pleasing would always be the right thing to do. If everyone abided strictly by the Transcendentalist ideal, then they would never do a wrong or evil thing, if, and only if, the Transcendentalist theory were true and pervaded throughout each and every person’s life. And only if this idea were true could a society survive by it alone. If it were just a cover anarchy and chaos would soon follow its institution. But if it were true, and everyone really did have good in their hearts, and always would choose right over wrong, the society that would be created might be something like this:
Think of a world without violence. Relationships between people would be so much improved one would hardly be able to tell it was the same world. Everyone would have the justice they deserve, because there would be no need for justice if everybody did the right thing. Everyone would respect everyone else, because it is right. The Transcendentalists believed that all people were good. Thus, one could assume that if all people were good, then all would deserve respect. With respect comes nonviolence. You don’t hurt people that you regard with approval. People could see others more clearly, for the person they are, not who others think them to be. We would all be mortal, vulnerable, loving, good-natured, people. If this were true, there would also be no racism. People wouldn’t typify others according to associations, skin color, or beliefs. Everyone would be equal. And if everyone were equal, there would be no need for discrimination, (not that there is any good or logical reason for it now.) If everyone were only human, why would there be a need to put others down to build yourself up? If someone needed help in the Transcendentalist world, they would receive it. If they needed comfort, someone would give it. We would be in this world together, and actually live like we cared for one another.
Living conditions in the Transcendentalist theory-abiding planet would be good as well. There would be no homeless or hungry. Everyone would care enough about other people to share what they had and others didn’t, such as their homes, money, and food. They might also donate their time and/or supplies from their already established comfort, to others that may be in need of it to build a life of their own. And if someone did fall into debt, or any other number of troubles, people would have the decency to help them back on their feet. (Theoretically, if you take the Transcendentalist theory to extremes, there shouldn’t be anyone going into debt if they made the right choice, which the Transcendentalists say they would.)
The general views on life and death would most likely change as well. Most everyone would find living a joy. People would be happy, because they would be making free and honest good decisions. No one would be doing anyone else wrong. People would be fed, clothed, and housed. It would be a pleasure to be alive in this Transcendentalist world. As for death, it would most likely be viewed as less of a tragedy. We are, after all, only mortal. Most every death would be a natural one. There would be no murders, since murder is wrong. The only unnatural deaths would be by extreme accident. There would be, most likely, the prevalent idea that when a person dies, it was their time to go, and there should be no sorrow, for it is only the natural course of things. They have, after all, done as much good in and with their life as was possible and have been happy doing it.
Now this may seem like the perfect society, but if everyone did good, as suggested that they would do by the Transcendentalist theory, this may just be what society would be like; happy, healthy, and profitable. Everyone would be equal. Everyone would have a home. It is an idea that doesn’t seem possible in today’s world. But the inspiration of man being essentially good, and always choosing the right thing if given the chance, was the basis on which the Transcendentalists built their lives.
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