Modern Transcendentalist: Johnny Depp

Although actors and people who are in that business may not be seen as transcendentalists, I believe Johnny Depp fitts the modern day transcendentalist description coincidentally. One of the traits of being considered a transcendentalist is having an appreciation for nature that delves into the spiritual. I believe Depp has this deeper appreciation for nature, that goes as far as becoming spiritual. He said,
"May the wind always be on your back and the sun upon your face and may the winds of destiny carry you aloft to dance with the stars." This quote is showing that he must believe nature as something more spiritual if he appears to be blessing this person with traits of nature. As a monotheistic person would say "may God be with you", Depp is claiming the same passing of belief through nature.

The valuing of imagination and intuition over reason and logic is also a transcendentalist belief. Depp portrays this belief when he says, "If someone were to harm my family or a friend or somebody i love, i would eat them. i might end up in jail for 500 years, but i would eat them." This quote speaks for itself when saying this would not be a logical solution to harm of Depp's loved ones, yet it is an extremely imaginative approach. He values the idea of this "harm" doer to be eaten instead of logically receiving the justice coming to him from the governmental system. It's his intuition to decide on the consequence for these specific actions done unto his loved ones.

The belief in strong individualism/ non-conformity is a very accurate description for the style Johnny Depp uses. His roles in  movies or shows are unusual and creative, such as the Mad Hatter or Edward Scissorhands. He also works with directors who have twisted ideas and darker stories, like Tim Burton. He chooses these roles because he feels he can be apart of them, "With any part you play, there is a certain amount of yourself in it. There has to be, otherwise it's not acting. It's lying." This reflects his personality and beliefs in choosing the roles he does, because he can relate to them, as an individual.

The Great Gatsby Question

Why do you think Daisy was crying when Nick returned yet Gatsby seemed joyful and content? Do you think Daisys tears were from pain or happiness?

Appreciating poetry

Poetry speaks to everyone differently. Some poeple enjoy it while other people can't stand it. Yet something I've grown to understand that I never had before is how the poems and poetry written expresses the author themselves. The poems they write speak to and relate to them more than to any other person, because of what they've thought one through or thought of for the inspiration. This allows the reader to experience deeper feelings toward the poem because of the authors own attachments to their writing. I appreciate this because it allows more people to relate to the author themselves. It adds more meaning to the piece of writing instead of just being a piece of writing. 

American Dream

The American dream can be different for everyone, but for me it is a few simple steps that evolve into my own success. My American dream begins with finishing school to become qualified for the job i want. After getting the job, the rest is self explanitory, make money and live large. I define the American dream as success. The only way you can get anywhere is with success. America has evolved to be all about that., If you have success in your life generaly it is believed you've achieved your dream and are happy.

My own definition is very similar to the "usual" interpretation. When people think America words that first come to their mind are education, money, and success. Basically thats the order to the American dream. Without education you usualy can't find a good job to make a lot of money, there for your not considered as "successful". How i define the American dream and how society defines it are very much the same, that shows how being a part of America for my while life has shaped my thinking to how the "usual" standards are shown to be.