John Winthrop and Ralph Waldo Emerson were two prominent figures in the literature and political scene of American history. Winthrop (1588-1649) was a governor of the Massachusetts Bay Colony. He left England, along with a group of entrepreneurs seeking economic opportunities in the new world. Winthrop grew up to be a strong Puritan believer and perhaps the pioneer of the Puritan faith. He believed that the English church was corrupted by its selfish leaders. Winthrop envisioned an idealized community in which all citizens would offer their lives in the service of God. On the other hand, Emerson (1803 –1882) was an American essayist, lecturer, thinker, philosopher, and poet. He was the leader of the Transcendentalist movement in the mid-19th century. He was considered a champion of individualism and a leader of the march against societal pressure. His work and beliefs have been documented in his published essays and lectures. Emerson gradually changed his views regarding religion and society. In the process, he developed his own way of thinking that revolved around the principles of transcendentalism and individualism. Winthrop and Emerson's ideas of a utopia may have flourished from religious roots. However, their principles of Puritanism and Transcendentalism were entirely incongruent. Winthrop envisioned an ideal utopia in which all citizens would dedicate their lives to the service of God. Paradoxically, Winthrop's Puritan movement and his belief in building a perfect society based on biblical teachings were impressively successful in secular affairs. This success was often explained by what was known as the “Puritan work ethic,” meaning the ability and willingness to... middle of paper......of the Father. New York: Oxford, 2003. Print.Emerson, Ralph W. “The Divinity School Address.” The Norton Anthology of American Literature. Gen. ed. Nina Baym. 8th ed. Vol. B. New York: Norton, 2012. 256-69. Print.Emerson, Ralph W. “Self-Confidence.” The Norton Anthology of American Literature. Gen. ed.Nina Baym. 8th ed. vol. B. New York: Norton, 2012. 269-86. Print.Johnson, Edgar AJ “Economic Ideas of John Winthrop.” The New England Quarterly 3.2 (1930): 235-250. JSTOR. Network. June 26, 2014.Underwood, Francis H. "Ralph Waldo Emerson." The North American Journal 130.282 (1880): 479-498. JSTOR. Network. June 26, 2014. Winthrop, John. "The Diary of John Winthrop." The Norton Anthology of American Literature.Gen. and. Nina Baym. 8th ed. vol. A. New York: Norton, 2012. 166-86. Press.