When the original authors of Transcendentalism detailed their experiences, they had no idea of ​​the extent of the introspection they would trigger. Thousands of young Americans are following their writings and discoveries in search of a better life and a brighter future. Writers such as Thoreau and Emerson, as well as others, inspired multitudes of individuals to observe their surroundings and become more than themselves. In modern American society, the majority of young people attempt to follow a transcendental path in their daily lives; however, they struggle due to a loss of nature, less individuality, and conformist teachings. Therefore, multitudes of young people today are trying to follow the same principles of intuition, imagination, idealism, individuality and inspiration established long ago. However, it is increasingly difficult to follow these principles in the modern context of today's society. There is a human tendency to break free from society, especially among children and young adults. If you try to be someone you're not, you can't be yourself (McCarthy). The difficulty is particularly apparent among young people growing up in today's society. Modern young adults are tied to a life of convenience and ease, given what they need and often receiving what they want in abundance. However, sometimes less is more, and more can be accomplished when focusing only on the important things (Thoreau 236). There remains a lack of need for imagination, curiosity or adventure. Author Jon Krakauer states, “The very foundation of a man's living spirit is his passion for adventure” (57). Adolescents may attempt to be transcendental in their individual actions and imaginative thoughts, but are drawn back into conformity...... middle of paper ... often due to society's failure to embrace individuality and nourish nature. Works Cited Emerson, Ralph Waldo. Nature. 1836. Prentice Hall Literature Timeless Voices, Timeless Themes. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson/Prentice Hall, 2005. Print. Krakauer, Jon. In nature. New York: Anchor Books, 1997. Print. McCarthy, Brittany and Megan Newhard. “Modern Transcendentalism – Transcendentalism.” Weebly. Np, and Web. April 10, 2014. .S, Abhinav. “Transcendentalism in modern society.” Ink for teenagers. Np, and Web. April 11, 2014.Transcendentalism-in-modern-society/>Thoreau, Henry David. Walden, or life in the woods. 1854. Literature by Prentice HallTimeless voices, timeless themes. Upper Saddle River, New Jersey: Pearson/Prentice Hall, 2005. Print.