Transcendentalism was a philosophical and literary movement that emerged in the early 19th century, primarily in New England. It emphasized the inherent goodness of people and nature, advocating for individual intuition and spirituality over established religious and societal norms. Transcendentalists believed that true understanding and knowledge could be gained through personal experience and connection with the natural world, promoting self-reliance and nonconformity. Key figures included Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau, who challenged conventional thought and encouraged a deeper exploration of one’s inner self.
Ralph Waldo Emerson
Transcendentalism was a 19th century philosophy. It was the idea that spirit is more important than material, and the importance of nature. Immanuel Kant, a German Philosopher was the father of it.
Transcendentalists believe that society and its main institutions corrupt the purity of an individual. They believe that people are inherently good, and can succeed with proper motivation and individual thought. The following quote best reflects the idea of transcendentalism: "I learned this, at least, by my experiment: that if one advances confidently in the direction of his dreams, and endeavors to live the life which he had imagined, he will meet with a success unexpected in common hours." - Henry David Thoreau
Ralph Waldo Emerson
Predestination is not associated with transcendentalism.
Transcendentalism is related to romanticism in that both movements emphasize the importance of individualism, intuition, and a connection to nature. They both reject strict societal norms and value personal experience and emotion. Transcendentalism, however, places a stronger emphasis on the idea of transcending the physical world to reach a higher spiritual plane.
Transcendentalism rejected materialism, organized religion, and the idea of conformity to societal norms. It emphasized individualism, spiritual connection to nature, and the importance of intuition and inner experience over external authority.
Transcendentalists believe that people should depend on themselves and their own insights, rather than on outside authorities.
Developed in the 1820s and 1830s, transcendentalism is a religious movement. Followers of transcendentalism believe people are their best when truly independent and self-reliant.
Transcendentalism was a style of writing that emerged from the Romantic style of writing, around 1840.
Transcendentalism emphasizes individualism, intuition, and the belief in the inherent goodness of human nature. It also promotes a connection to nature as a source of spiritual insight and wisdom. Additionally, it values nonconformity and the idea of self-reliance.
Transcendentalism took place in the 1830s and 1840s, so the 19th century.