The 19th century American social reform movements such as abolitionism, public ownership, feminism, and labor movements had an impact on traditional values and social issues. Emerson emphasized the role of the individual as a reformer in 'Man is the Reformer'. Hawthorne and James portrayed the ignorance, narrowness, and selfishness of reformers behind social progress and human perfection through their novels "The Legend of Fugu" and "The Bostonian," revealing the problems in the reform craze.

1、 The cognitive fallacy behind fanaticism

Explored the issue of cognitive fallacies among reformers in 19th century American social reform. Socrates proposed that 'virtue is knowledge', believing that knowledge is the foundation of virtue and ignorance is the root of evil. Philosophers such as Aristotle and Hegel also agree that virtues and good deeds must be based on individual perception. The 20th century critic Trillin emphasized that 'intellect is a moral duty', and that only by using wisdom, truth, and rational reasoning to break prejudices and fallacies can personal goodness and social well-being be achieved. Although the reformers in Hawthorne and James' novels have a kind starting point, their reform ideals have risen to pathological fanaticism, alienating their hearts and deviating from their original intentions. Hawthorne believed that fanaticism stems from ignorance and narrowness, as seen in the tragedy of Holinworth's obsession with transforming prisoners in "The Legend of Fugu". The Fukutani reformers were inspired by transcendentalism and believed in the theories of human goodness and perfection, holding optimistic expectations for human unity, but ultimately failed. James pointed out that reformers do not understand the corruption of human nature and do not consider the evil of human nature. The feminist reform fervor of Oliver in "The Bostonians" stems from gender bias and a lack of rationality, simplifying the problem to male cruelty and solving it by rejecting marriage and excluding men, unable to cope with complex human nature and practical needs. James warns that the women's liberation movement may fall into a simple yet extreme opposition to marriage and family. Hawthorne and James' novels indicate that successful social reform must be based on the improvement of reformers' cognitive ability and intellectual level, abandoning simple and crude reform ideas, and rationally and prudently planning reform plans.

2、 Egoism under the guise of universal love

Explored the contradiction between the ideal of universal love and selfishness in the 19th-century American reform discourse. The early Puritans' sense of solidarity and religious mission evolved into Americans' pursuit of fraternity in the 19th century. However, with the development of capitalism, self-interest with the supremacy of personal interests began to prevail, and even became the theoretical basis for the pursuit of interests of transcendental individualism. Hawthorne and James reveal through their works how reformers use the spirit of universal love for self expansion, lacking true compassion and empathy. Hawthorne's Holinworth and James' Olive are both typical examples of practicing self-interest in the name of universal love. Holinworth exploits others' money and emotions, while Olive satisfies his personal desires for power and fame by controlling his partners. These reformers' obsession with abstract reform ideas has led them to overlook empathy for concrete others. Hawthorne and James emphasized that true universal love should be based on emotions and responsibilities towards specific others, rather than empty abstract ideas. Their works remind people that reformers should maintain self-examination and moral restraint to avoid the proliferation of selfishness.

3、 Cultivate one's own intellectual and moral garden

Explored the views of 19th century American writers Hawthorne and James on social reform, emphasizing the importance of individual internal reform. Bai Bide distinguished between "humanists" and "humanists", with the former focusing on the well-being of the masses and the latter on the inner life of individuals. Hawthorne and James revealed the problems of reformers through their works "The Legend of Foggy Bottom" and "The Bostonians", believing that successful social reform should start with the reformers' own cognitive and moral renewal. James emphasized through Lansham that reformers themselves need to reform, while Dr. Planes replaced social revolution with self revolution. Hawthorne and James both believe that individual progress is a prerequisite for social reform. Hawthorne's humanism is based on a clear understanding of human sinfulness and weaknesses, while James emphasizes self-improvement. Both writers resist extreme radical reforms and lean towards gradual changes. Their works remind people to handle human weaknesses and desires with caution in social activities, maintaining vigilance, prudence, and rationality.