Transcendentalism does not seem to be a word that can be defined as simply black or white. This is because of the complexity of all the different thoughts that could come from it. It was meant almost to teach people to come to their own beliefs, and most importantly to focus on things less materialistic. This particular movement influenced some of the great American Literature that we learn about today. One author in particular was heavily inspired by this new thought process, especially with having Emerson almost as his mentor. Henry David Thoreau seemed to be born for Transcendentalism and this is shown through out his work. One of his most notable works “Walden” is stemmed from an experiment in simpler living, which only defines Thoreau as the nature loving transcendentalist that he was, by being inspired by this and ultimately inspiring others later in time.

This article written by Laurie Champion explains the influence writer Bobbie Ann Mason had when writing Clear Springs. This influence for the book was Thoreau, there are numerous connections with how she sees the world, and this "journey" somehow correlates with Walden. This review also notes how this was a spiritual journey for Mason, and sees this as a way of discovering herself and where she wanted to be. This story is seen as time for reflection as Walden could be viewed like this as well.

Thoreau was able to aid other lovers of nature in many ways after his death. An unique article discusses just this, when one person wanted to recently study the affects that global warming would play on nature. Trying to hunt back data to compare plant blossoming patterns, his best resource was that of Thoreaus data, data that was only available because of his love for nature and his close observance.