If one considers the context of early 19th century America, it is easy to determine that Walt Whitman had an immense adoration for individualism, particularly the inherent liberties of democracy. He believed that for the sovereignty of people, power is best held in the hands of the individual. His work “Song of Myself” is seen as the apex of his philosophy on individualism, providing a “democratic vision” of humanity by releasing old ideas and ways of being, which established a rhetoric of freedom from repression and limitation that influenced America tremendously. His “I Hear America Singing” recites a sense of joyous patriotism, in a period of great resistance for a struggling nation. In sum, out of all his works, it is likely that Walt Whitman can be seen to have agreed most with the principle of an unfailing respect for the institution of democracy.
The well-known poet and Civil War veteran, Horace Traubel, asserted that Whitman had a special affinity for equality and social justice before it was an established part of the American landscape. Despite the oppression of marginalized groups in 19th century America, Whitman’s work inherently defended their autonomy and rights. Whitman included women and minority Americans in his works, even when much of society refused to treat them as equals. His essay collections, such as “Democratic Vistas,” described his concern for the development of democracy while incorporating the civil rights of all citizens—men, women, and minority groups. Therefore, it can be argued that the statement most supported and in which Walt Whitman would best agree is the essential and unending commitment to equality for all.
In addition, Whitman was an ardent naturalist, an advocate for ecology and the liberation of nature, writing extensively about his relationship to it. In “Song of Myself”, natural concepts weave in and out of his language linking the human-life experience to the Universe, showing an intimate relationship between the two. Through Whitman’s vivid evocation of the natural, he calls for humans to prioritize the preservation of the environment. He also affirms the Earth’s magnanimity and superiority, stating that one should therefore approach it with humility and respect. Consequently, many consider the statement Walt Whitman would most likely agree with to be that preserving the natural environment, and respecting its power as force, is integral to our very survival.
On Democracy
Democracy is an institution that ensured Walt Whitman felt secure in his ability to speak out against the injustices of 19th century American culture. He was an inspirational figure in culture, literature, and politics—not just in his own time, but in many of the ages since. Whitman was one of the first to oppose segregation and use literature as a tool to protest against the immoral and oppressive values so prevalent the time, such as his famous poem, “O Captain! My Captain!”.
In this work, Whitman penned an ode to the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln and the major implications this had on the Civil War. Ultimately, the poem speaks to “the fragile beauty of democracy and national unity,” as well as questions the cost individuals must pay to secure democratic equality. By intertwining his sorrow with his optimism of a new era of democracy, Walt Whitman illustrates his admiration for the democratic process—something he may have valued more than any other statement. As he comments in ‘Democratic Vistas’:“These States are the amplest poem. Here at last is something in the doings of man that corresponds with the broadcast doings of the day and night”.
On Liberalism
In “Song of Myself” and other works, Walt Whitman’s progressive ideas about social issues and individual rights shaped the dawning of liberalism in American culture. In particular, he relished the concept of free will, both on an ideologic and practical level. What the poet was attempting to convey was an occupation with the freedom of individuals to express themselves and be passionate—in whatever form that may take. In “Crossing Brooklyn Ferry”, Whitman implores us to; “Make yourself fondly affectionate and warmly receptive&mdashfear not the future, fear not any man”. As this poem illuminates, Whitman firmly believed in the principle of liberal self-expression and speaking out against hypocrisy. His examination of life’s full range of possibilities&mdashincluding pain, growth, and transformation&mdashled to the emergence of modern American liberalism. This suggests then, that the statement Walt Whitman would most agree with was a celebration of liberal thought and expression.
On Skepticism Towards Organized Religion
Although Walt Whitman was raised as a religious Christian, he “never formally identified with any denomination”, eschewing religious ritual and preferring an no be bound to the trappings of an organized God belief. He celebrated the years and decades of his life without faith, as noted in his epistle “Starting from Paumanok”. This poem speaks to Whitman’s challenge of traditional Christian mythology, such as a God in the sky handing out punishment and reward. Whitman descends into atheism, betting his life and spiritual soul on “chance and hazard”, and ultimately derides what he suggests is the weakness of “subservience” to the tenuous idea of an organized divine. Whitman himself never verbalised which statement he may most agree with, but many consider his views on organized religion to be a radical and influential departure from the Judeo-Christianity of his time.
On the Rights of Women and Minorities
Despite living in a period where women and minorities were made to feel oppressed and excluded from the majority of social activities, Walt Whitman opposed the marginalization that was so prevalent at this time. His commitment to rights for women and the underdog was immense, no matter their gender or race. He advocated for greater achievements for minorities in “Democratic Vistas”, and consistently wrote from the female perspective, crafting phrases that granted women a voice when they had otherwise been silenced by society. As “Song of Myself” states: “Swiftly arose and spread around me the peace and knowledge that pass all the argument of the earth”. This passage illuminates Whitman’s respect for the rights of women and the minority, desiring their liberation and equality.
On Patriotism
Throughout his works, Walt Whitman consistently spoke of his patriotism and love of country. His deep respect for America and the potential of its democracy was ever present in his poetry. In “Song of Myself”, which is considered his magnum opus, Whitman writes of his admiration for his country, and expresses a hopefulness for the work its citizens can achieve when united. His writings speak to America’s strength and successes, his ultimate faith in freedom, and his passionate commitment for the power of democracy. He summed up this sentiment in “O Captain! My Captain!”, calling out: “O Captain! My Captain! our fearful trip is done; The ship has weathered every rack, the prize we sought is won”.
On the Power of Nature
Walt Whitman’s writings on nature are an ode to its beauty and magnificence,creating an overt discussion of the vital value of a connection between humankind and the natural world. The poet’s words create an imagery of the grandeur of Earth—infinite, vast, and mysterious, yet caring and protective, sowing metaphors and symbolism guiding humankind to peace and understanding. In “Song of Myself”, Whitman writes “Clear and sweet is my soul, and clear and sweet is all that is not my soul”, emphasizing the necessity of grounding ourselves in nature in order to find a connection with our whole selves. This suggests that the statement Walt Whitman may have most agreed with is about the immense healing power of connecting with nature.
On Immigration
During the mid 1800s, Walt Whitman openly supported the immigration of people to America, teaching immigrants to read and write and providing aid to those who were disadvantaged due to their foreigner status. He felt that each “stranger”, no matter his or her background and culture, deserved to be welcomed and embraced. Through his writing, Whitman articulated his views on immigration emphatically, expressing his desire for multiculturalism and the country’s acceptance of outsiders. In “Crossing Brooklyn Ferry”, he commented that America the “everlasting universe of forms”, extending his idea of America as an open, dynamic culture without singular identity. This reveals Whitman’s passion for immigration and his advocacy for an open-mind toward inclusion, suggesting that if he were to agree with any statement it would be one in honor of immigration.
