Margaret Fuller

Vince Tang
English 48A
Journal for M. Fuller
November 1, 2011

Reading Quote:

“She had taken a course of her own, and no man stood in her way. Many of her acts had been unusual, but excited no uproar. Few helped, but none checked her; and the many men, who knew her mind and her life, showed to her confidence as to a brother, gentleness as to a sister” (1646).

Research Quote:

“She [Fuller] was evidently a brilliant and thoughtful conversationalist, much respected for her intellect and learning…” (http://www.vcu.edu/engweb/transcendentalism/authors/fuller/).

Summary of Reading Quote:

Fuller is essentially saying that she believed in something, put her mind to it, and acted upon her beliefs with or without support.

Response:

Margaret Fuller lived her life to the fullest. Defying conventions, expressing her position, and encouraging equality, the “living mind’ shifted America’s perspective to see the potential of women outside the common housewife. Her accomplishment is clearly seen through inspiring female role models of today. Fuller’s courage and commitment to pursue moral righteousness is what we need in all of us if we are to ever reach a state of harmony in humanity. Think of how unfortunate it would be if women were still viewed as inferior human beings; or how unfortunate it would be if we were still in the midst of women’s rights movements. Our understanding that both genders deserve equal human rights shows that we have overcome our ignorance and can now live harmoniously with equality of the genders.

Humanity, however, is far more complex than just gender differences. There are different religions, laws, cultures, societies within these cultures, and so on. The list is endless but in essence, the differences stems from opinions and perspectives. For instance, why did the U.S. wage war on terrorism? What was the reason for the September 11 attacks? Why was the U.S. supporting Israel? The international differences of opinions and perception of each other resulted in losses of innocent lives. These issues would not have occurred if the involved parties were to reach an understanding and agreement of terms such as how Americans themselves have developed their understanding of gender equality.

It is inevitable for everyone to share the same opinions and perceive the world similarly. This means that we need people with Fuller’s courage and commitment to speak out on what is morally right through intellectual reasoning. We do not need people who act upon fits of passion because, “Those who would reform the world must show that they do not speak in the heat of wild impulse” (1649). Our difference of opinions and perceptions is what interferes with humanity’s harmony so the question is: Is peace on earth inevitable?