ase "Trust Thyself." Transcendentalists believed that human nature is essentially good; thus, an individual should rely on his or her intuition. This concept may be the reason for Americans hating to admit that they are wrong.Pragmatism is also a philosophy that is deeply embedded in American culture. Pragmatism is a doctrine which tests truth by its practical consequences. William James was the most influential American-pragmatic philosopher. James used pragmatism to solve the problems that interfered with the individuals "feeling at home in the universe." James concluded that philosophy was only useful if one could use it to better his or her life. Americans today think the same way James did. If something is not useful, it is not necessary. James also added another point to pragmatism. He stated that struggle and effort are necessary in the individual's life to keep it exciting and passionate. This struggle and effort are the root of the American dream to become successful. Protestantism is the final American philosophy. Like Epicureanism, Transcendentalism, and Pragmatism, Protestantism deals with the individual, however it also encompasses the individual's relationship with God. Unlike the Transcendentalists, the Protestants reject man being the ultimate authority in spiritual matters. They also reject any belief which implies the possibility of self-justification before God. In 1734, Jonathan Edwards stated "justification by Faith alone," implying that justification may only come through faith in God. The ultimate goal of the individual Protestant is to go to "heaven" when they die. In order to obtain this goal one must accept God as his or her savior and live a life pleasing to God. These standards have set many morals for Americans that are still evident in American society today.Epicureanism, Transcendentalism, Pragmatism, and Protestantism are all vital parts of our current society. They set forth many ideal...
