Perhaps one of the most meaningful maxims Emerson wrote would have to be "Insist on yourself, never imitate." This statement captures the total essence of transcendentalism; deny the will and aspirations of others, and follow your own heart.
Transcendentalism emerged as a philosophical and literary movement during the nineteenth century that focused on intuition and the individual conscience. Established by the German philosopher, Immanuel Kant, Transcendentalism gained support from writers such as Emmerson Thoreau, and Fuller. These supporters believed that fundamental truths are known to the heart and therefore cannot be grasped by the senses. As applied to modern times, the movie Dead Poets Society depicts the transcendental truths of self-reliance and non-conformity.
Most people on this earth always have the great need of acceptance. Most people try to be the same, and follow the trend in general accepted beliefs. Even if a person has his own unique beliefs it is usually suppressed by the thought of "What will everyone else think?" It is very difficult to maintain your own beliefs in the face of others. There is always a sense of acceptance. One must have trust in his own unique beliefs and eliminate the worry of whether others think them odd or unpopular.
The movie Dead Poets Society begins by introducing Todd Anderson, a very subdued and quiet young man. Todd has the average inferiority complex. Todd is unwilling to speak his mind for fear of non-acceptance. Charles Dalton is a seemingly average student with a rebellious attitude. He has already realized that the students are being "brainwashed" into living a preordained life. Neil Perry is another young man who realizes that his life is being planned out in front of him. He feels that he has no voice in his life. Their English professor, Mr. Keating, radically changes the lives of all of these students. Mr. Keating encourages Todd to speak up and voice his opinions.