Leaders of the 19th Century Contribute to the Legacy of Independent Thinking

Hartwick College professor, Lisle Dalton, gave an informative presentation about 19th century Margaret Fuller last Wednesday evening at the Unitarian Universalist Society in Oneonta, New York. Margaret Fuller was born to parents who exchanged the servere Calvanistic religion for Unitarian views. Margaret matured into a well-read independent thinker who, at a time period when women had few rights, became an American journalist, critic, and women’s rights advocate. Margaret Fuller also associated, for a while, with the American Transcendentalist movement, a group of free thinking intellectuals who challenged rote thoughts. Her peers include Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803-1882), Horace Greeley (1811-1872), and Theodore Parker (1810-1860).

Mary Baker Eddy, 19th century religious icon, quotes a Theodore Parker in her seminal book Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, neglecting to reference the quote; however, the idea that everyone, regardless of their rank or position can make a difference in the world stands solid. All of the above mentioned 19th century thinkers and doers contributed somewhat to the legacies of religious freedom, equal rights, and spirituality.

Theodor Parker

Margaret Fuller

Mary Baker Eddy

Tagged: Christian Science, Fuller, journalist, knowledgable women, Margaret, oneonta, parker, thinking women women journalists, transcendental, women leaders, women pillars, women writers, womens right