Transcendentalism

Definition

Transcendentalism is a philosophical and literary movement that emerged in the early 19th century, emphasizing individual intuition, the inherent goodness of people, and a deep connection to nature. It promoted self-reliance and questioned societal norms, encouraging individuals to seek truth through personal experience rather than established doctrines. This movement significantly influenced cultural development and social reforms during its time.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Transcendentalism emerged as a response to the rationalism of the Enlightenment and the restrictions of organized religion, emphasizing personal intuition over traditional authority.
2. The movement laid the groundwork for later social reform movements, including abolitionism and women's rights, promoting moral imperatives for change based on individual conscience.
3. Transcendentalists believed that nature was a reflection of the divine, encouraging a spiritual connection to the environment that inspired ecological awareness.
4. The ideas of Transcendentalism were spread through essays, lectures, and publications, particularly through the work of influential figures like Emerson and Thoreau.
5. Many Transcendentalists practiced communal living as a way to embody their beliefs about society and personal relationships, most notably at Brook Farm in Massachusetts.

Review Questions

• How did Transcendentalism challenge the prevailing cultural norms of the early 19th century?
  • Transcendentalism challenged prevailing cultural norms by promoting individual intuition over societal expectations and established doctrines. This movement encouraged people to trust their own instincts and seek personal truths rather than conforming to traditional religious beliefs or societal pressures. By advocating for self-reliance and a deep connection to nature, Transcendentalists pushed against conformity, fostering an atmosphere of questioning authority and exploring new ideas about individuality.
• Discuss how Transcendentalist beliefs influenced social reform movements during this period.
  • Transcendentalist beliefs significantly influenced various social reform movements by instilling a moral imperative within individuals to pursue justice and equality. The emphasis on individual conscience and the goodness inherent in people inspired activists in the abolitionist movement to fight against slavery, as well as proponents of women's rights who sought equality for women. This philosophical underpinning provided a foundation for moral arguments advocating for societal change based on individual rights and human dignity.
• Evaluate the lasting impact of Transcendentalism on American culture and philosophy beyond its time.
  • The lasting impact of Transcendentalism on American culture and philosophy can be seen in its contributions to environmentalism, civil rights, and modern concepts of individuality. Its emphasis on self-reliance has influenced contemporary thought about personal freedom and authenticity in American society. Furthermore, its exploration of spirituality outside organized religion continues to resonate today, inspiring movements that advocate for personal connections with nature and calls for social justice rooted in individual experiences. The legacy of Transcendentalism remains relevant as it challenges individuals to think critically about their beliefs and actions in the modern world.

Related terms

Ralph Waldo Emerson:

An American essayist and philosopher who was a central figure in the Transcendentalist movement, advocating for individualism and the exploration of nature.

Henry David Thoreau:

A key Transcendentalist thinker and author of 'Walden,' who emphasized simple living in natural surroundings and civil disobedience against unjust laws.

Individualism:

A belief in the primary importance of the individual and their rights, often highlighted in Transcendentalism as a foundation for personal freedom and self-expression.