Transcendentalism

Definition

Transcendentalism is a philosophical and literary movement that emerged in the early 19th century, emphasizing individual intuition and the inherent goodness of people and nature. It advocated for a deeper connection with nature, personal spirituality, and social reform, challenging conventional beliefs and societal norms.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Transcendentalism emerged in the 1830s in New England, influenced by German Romantic philosophy and Eastern religions.
2. Key figures included Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau, who emphasized self-reliance, nonconformity, and civil disobedience.
3. Transcendentalists believed that individuals could achieve a direct connection with the divine through nature, bypassing organized religion.
4. The movement also influenced various social reform movements, including abolitionism and women's rights, promoting moral progress through personal action.
5. Transcendentalist literature often featured themes of nature's beauty, the exploration of the self, and critiques of society's materialism.

Review Questions

• How did transcendentalism reflect the political and social changes occurring during its emergence in the 19th century?
  • Transcendentalism arose during a time of significant political and social change in America, including movements for abolition and women's rights. Its emphasis on individual intuition and moral action encouraged people to question traditional authority and societal norms. This alignment with social reform efforts helped inspire activists to pursue greater justice and equality, making transcendentalism a crucial part of the broader landscape of 19th-century social movements.
• In what ways did transcendentalist philosophy influence Romantic poetry and aesthetics?
  • Transcendentalist philosophy deeply influenced Romantic poetry by highlighting themes of nature, individuality, and emotional expression. Poets such as Wordsworth and Coleridge embraced similar ideas about nature’s beauty and its power to inspire spiritual awakening. This connection helped shape an aesthetic appreciation for the natural world, marking a departure from previous literary conventions focused on reason and rationality.
• Evaluate the impact of transcendentalist beliefs on radical politics as exemplified in Shelley's work.
  • Transcendentalism's core belief in individual agency significantly influenced radical politics in the 19th century, as seen in Percy Bysshe Shelley's writings. Shelley championed themes like social justice and political reform through his poetry, aligning with transcendentalist ideas of personal empowerment and moral responsibility. His calls for liberation from oppressive systems mirrored transcendentalism's advocacy for self-determination and connection with universal truths, showcasing how these philosophies intertwined to challenge societal norms.

Related terms

Romanticism:

A cultural movement that prioritized emotion, individualism, and nature, often reacting against the rationalism of the Enlightenment.

Individualism:

A social theory advocating for the moral worth of the individual, promoting self-reliance and personal independence.

Nature: In transcendentalist thought, nature is seen as a source of inspiration and spiritual truth, reflecting the inner workings of the human soul.