Transcendentalism

Definition

Transcendentalism is a philosophical and literary movement that emerged in the early 19th century, emphasizing the inherent goodness of people and nature, as well as the belief in individual intuition and the spiritual over the empirical. This movement sought to transcend the limits of traditional society and promote a deeper understanding of existence through personal experience and connection with nature, which connects it to various literary styles and themes of Romanticism.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Transcendentalism emerged in New England during the early 19th century as a reaction against rationalism and materialism.
2. Key figures include Ralph Waldo Emerson, Henry David Thoreau, and Margaret Fuller, who emphasized self-reliance and individual intuition.
3. The movement is characterized by its deep connection to nature, encouraging individuals to seek inspiration and truth from the natural world.
4. Transcendentalists believed in the inherent goodness of both people and nature, arguing that society often corrupts individuals.
5. The principles of transcendentalism influenced later social movements, including environmentalism and civil rights activism.

Review Questions

• How did transcendentalism challenge the prevailing attitudes of society during its emergence in the 19th century?
  • Transcendentalism challenged the dominant rationalist and materialist attitudes of the time by advocating for individual intuition and spiritual understanding over empirical evidence. It encouraged people to connect with their inner selves and the natural world, promoting ideas of self-reliance and personal insight. This movement pushed back against societal norms that emphasized conformity and material wealth, suggesting instead that true fulfillment comes from within and from one's relationship with nature.
• Analyze how transcendentalist beliefs are reflected in the works of key authors associated with this movement.
  • The works of Ralph Waldo Emerson, Henry David Thoreau, and Margaret Fuller are rich with transcendentalist themes. Emerson’s essays often explore the importance of individual intuition and connection to nature, while Thoreau's 'Walden' illustrates his quest for simplicity and deeper understanding through living deliberately in natural surroundings. Fuller’s writings advocate for women's rights and personal freedom, aligning with transcendentalist ideals of individuality and self-expression. Together, these authors exemplify how transcendentalist thought permeates their reflections on society, nature, and personal identity.
• Evaluate the lasting impact of transcendentalism on contemporary environmental literature and social movements.
  • Transcendentalism has had a significant impact on contemporary environmental literature and various social movements by instilling a sense of respect for nature and advocating for individual empowerment. The movement's core belief that humans are inherently connected to the natural world resonates strongly in today's environmental advocacy, where there is an emphasis on sustainability and preservation. Additionally, transcendentalist principles of self-reliance and social reform continue to inspire movements for civil rights and justice, demonstrating how this philosophical approach remains relevant in addressing modern societal issues.

Related terms

Idealism:

A philosophical theory that asserts reality is fundamentally mental or immaterial, closely related to transcendentalism in its emphasis on spiritual realities over material ones.

Emersonian Thought: The ideas and philosophies promoted by Ralph Waldo Emerson, a leading figure in transcendentalism, focusing on self-reliance, individuality, and a deep appreciation for nature.

Nature Writing: A genre of literature that focuses on the natural environment and humanity's relationship with it, heavily influenced by transcendentalist beliefs about the beauty and importance of nature.