Transcendentalism

Definition

Transcendentalism is a philosophical and literary movement that emerged in the early 19th century in America, emphasizing the inherent goodness of people and nature, as well as the belief that individuals can transcend the limits of traditional knowledge through intuition and personal experience. This movement is deeply connected to Romanticism, which celebrated emotion, nature, and individualism, fostering a spirit of reform and spiritual awakening during this era.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Transcendentalism emerged in the 1830s and 1840s as a response to rationalism and empiricism prevalent in society, advocating for intuition and spiritual insight.
2. Key figures in transcendentalism include Ralph Waldo Emerson, Henry David Thoreau, and Margaret Fuller, who all contributed significantly to its literature and philosophy.
3. The movement promoted social reform, including abolitionism and women's rights, emphasizing the moral responsibility of individuals to act on their beliefs.
4. Transcendentalists believed in the unity of all creation, viewing nature as a direct expression of the divine and encouraging individuals to seek a deeper connection with it.
5. The influence of transcendentalism extended beyond literature into education and religion, shaping American thought and contributing to the development of various reform movements.

Review Questions

• How did transcendentalism reflect the ideals of Romanticism in literature and arts?
  • Transcendentalism reflected Romantic ideals by emphasizing emotion, individual intuition, and a deep connection to nature. This movement celebrated personal experience as a source of truth rather than relying solely on reason or traditional authority. The works of transcendentalist writers often contained lyrical language and themes exploring the beauty of nature, individual spirit, and self-discovery, aligning closely with the broader Romantic movement's focus on personal expression.
• In what ways did transcendentalism influence social reform movements during the 19th century?
  • Transcendentalism had a significant impact on various social reform movements in the 19th century by promoting ideals such as equality, justice, and moral responsibility. Its leaders encouraged activism for abolitionism and women's rights by asserting that individuals must act according to their conscience. This philosophy inspired many to challenge societal norms and fight for change, linking personal integrity with broader social issues. The movement fostered a sense of collective responsibility to create a more just society.
• Evaluate how transcendentalist philosophy can be seen as a precursor to later 20th-century movements in America.
  • Transcendentalist philosophy laid the groundwork for several 20th-century movements by establishing themes of individuality, self-expression, and social justice. The emphasis on personal intuition over societal norms anticipated later movements such as civil rights and environmentalism, where individual actions were viewed as crucial for collective change. Furthermore, its ideas about self-reliance influenced later cultural shifts towards countercultural movements in the 1960s. Thus, transcendentalism not only shaped its own time but also left an enduring legacy that resonated through subsequent generations.

Related terms

Romanticism: An artistic and intellectual movement that originated in the late 18th century, valuing emotion, individualism, and nature over reason and classical ideals.

Idealism: A philosophical approach that asserts that reality is mentally constructed or immaterial, often associated with the belief in the importance of ideas and consciousness.

Emersonian Thought: The ideas and philosophies of Ralph Waldo Emerson, a central figure in transcendentalism, who promoted self-reliance, nature, and the individual's connection to the universe.