Transcendentalism

Definition

Transcendentalism is a philosophical and literary movement that emerged in the early 19th century, emphasizing the inherent goodness of people and nature, the importance of individual intuition, and a deep connection to the natural world. This movement challenged the prevailing societal norms and sought to promote a more profound spiritual experience through nature, connecting it to broader ideas about humanity's relationship with the environment and the concept of self-reliance.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Transcendentalism arose as a response to industrialization and urbanization, which many felt alienated individuals from nature and their true selves.
2. The movement emphasized personal experience and intuition over established doctrine or tradition, encouraging individuals to seek their own truths.
3. Nature was viewed as a source of inspiration and spiritual rejuvenation; transcendentalists believed that understanding nature was crucial to understanding oneself.
4. Key figures such as Emerson and Thoreau advocated for social reforms, including abolitionism and women's rights, linking moral progress to an improved relationship with nature.
5. Transcendentalism laid the groundwork for later environmental movements by promoting the idea that humans should live harmoniously with nature rather than exploit it.

Review Questions

• How did transcendentalism challenge societal norms of the 19th century regarding individualism and nature?
  • Transcendentalism pushed back against the rigid societal norms of the 19th century by advocating for individual intuition and self-reliance. It encouraged people to trust their inner voices rather than conforming to societal expectations. The movement emphasized that individuals could achieve greater truths through personal experiences in nature, which contrasted sharply with the era's growing industrialization that often neglected or degraded natural surroundings.
• In what ways did key transcendentalist figures like Emerson and Thoreau influence contemporary environmental thought?
  • Emerson and Thoreau profoundly shaped contemporary environmental thought by highlighting the deep connection between humans and nature. Their writings emphasized the need for a harmonious relationship with the natural world, advocating for simplicity and reflection away from society's distractions. Their critique of materialism and urban life has inspired modern environmental movements to value conservation, sustainability, and deeper spiritual connections to nature.
• Evaluate how transcendentalism contributed to social reform movements in the 19th century, particularly concerning moral progress.
  • Transcendentalism played a crucial role in social reform movements of the 19th century by linking moral progress to an improved relationship with nature. Figures like Emerson and Thoreau argued that true moral clarity could be achieved by reconnecting with the natural world and living authentically. This philosophy fostered movements such as abolitionism and women's rights, as transcendentalists believed that individual freedom extended beyond personal autonomy to encompass social justice issues, emphasizing that just as individuals must be free spiritually, society must also evolve towards greater equity.

Related terms

Ralph Waldo Emerson: An American essayist, lecturer, and poet who was a central figure in the transcendentalist movement, advocating for individualism and a close relationship with nature.

Henry David Thoreau: A transcendentalist author known for his work 'Walden,' which reflects on simple living in natural surroundings and critiques society's materialism.

Romanticism: An artistic and intellectual movement that emphasized emotion, individualism, and nature, significantly influencing transcendentalist thought.