Topic > The Road to Success - 523

In any successful endeavor, perseverance and adherence to one's beliefs can provide a foundation for reaching one's ultimate goal. Transcendentalism expresses the importance of individualism and perseverance despite obstacles to further the path of life. Section forty-six of Walt Whitman's "Song of Myself" and Fanny Palmer's Westward the Course of Empire Makes Ways encompass transcendentalist ideals to emphasize the individual and vicarious journey on the path to Divine Light. Walt Whitman and Fanny Palmer emphasize the importance of embarking on an individual journey, independent of social instruction. In section 46 of “Song of Myself,” Whitman explains to the reader, “neither I, nor anyone else can walk that road for you, you must walk it yourself” (Whitman, § 46). Whitman's explanation of life's path demonstrates the importance of individualism. He emphasizes that navigating the path without undue influence from society is a crucial component to a successful journey. Whitman later explains, "I'll wash the gum out of your eyes, [but] you have to get used to the glare of the l"....