What was transcendentalism?
Transcendentalism is a way of life. It was a literary, religious, and philosophical movement. One of its fundamental concepts was the quest for truth. It was not a formalized system, as it was based upon ideas from group of writers and thinkers sharing similar interests and outlooks on life.
Truth. Transcendentalists believe that one's own inner light comes from knowledge; therefore, trascendentalists are constantly seeking to gain a deeper truth about themselves and the world around them. This is where a new idea comes into play. Science. Transcendentalism helped bridge the gap between a faith based society, and one that relys on science. It encorporated ideas of science, but it did not place all faith in the scientific understanding of the world.
Intuition. Not only do trascendentalists place importance on science, but much of their ideas are based upon one's intuition; the idea that the truth can be found through one's intution.
Individual. Great importance is placed on the individual. Not only are all individuals important to themselves, but all individuals are important to each other. This fostered the idea of respect towards each person.
Truth. Transcendentalists believe that one's own inner light comes from knowledge; therefore, trascendentalists are constantly seeking to gain a deeper truth about themselves and the world around them. This is where a new idea comes into play. Science. Transcendentalism helped bridge the gap between a faith based society, and one that relys on science. It encorporated ideas of science, but it did not place all faith in the scientific understanding of the world.
Intuition. Not only do trascendentalists place importance on science, but much of their ideas are based upon one's intuition; the idea that the truth can be found through one's intution.
Individual. Great importance is placed on the individual. Not only are all individuals important to themselves, but all individuals are important to each other. This fostered the idea of respect towards each person.
Main Principles
Origins
The transcendentalist movemement began as a reaction to strict traditions and laws at the time. As opposed to the Calvinist belief that the outcome of all human lives are predetermined, transcendentalists believe in the improvement of the individual and the search for inner truth. Romanticism, a movement that had developed prior to the trascendentalist movement, opposed Calvinism as well. Both the trascendentalist and romanticist movement emphasized the importance of the individual.
Most Important Authors
Ralph Waldo Emerson began his adult life as a Unitarian minister. He completed his studies at Harvard. As a child, he was greatly influenced by his aunt who introduced him to concepts such as the ideas of Hinduism. Emerson brought ideas of science, mysticism, and Eastern religions into the transcendentalist movement.
Emerson's background as a minister greatly helped spread the ideas of transcendentalism. He preached in many churches, so many people were inclined to believe him. Emerson travelled a lot which encouraged the spread of trascendental ideas.
One of Emerson's most prominent works was "The American Scholar." In this famous essay, he encouraged Americans to be proud of themselves and to stop looking elsewhere for ideas and inspiration.
Henry David Thoreau placed great emphasis on the importance of nature in one's life. For two years of his life, Thoreau lived in a hut he built on Walden Pond. He later wrote a book called Walden which described his experiences while living amongst nature. He also wrote an essay called "Civil Disobedience." The main purpose of this essay was that one's own conscience should be held at a higher priority than the law.
These authors, along with others, were part of The Transcendental Club. The group met in Boston at the home of George Ripley. They started a publication known as The Dial which was edited by Margaret Fuller. Fuller was a radical feminist at the time.
Emerson's background as a minister greatly helped spread the ideas of transcendentalism. He preached in many churches, so many people were inclined to believe him. Emerson travelled a lot which encouraged the spread of trascendental ideas.
One of Emerson's most prominent works was "The American Scholar." In this famous essay, he encouraged Americans to be proud of themselves and to stop looking elsewhere for ideas and inspiration.
Henry David Thoreau placed great emphasis on the importance of nature in one's life. For two years of his life, Thoreau lived in a hut he built on Walden Pond. He later wrote a book called Walden which described his experiences while living amongst nature. He also wrote an essay called "Civil Disobedience." The main purpose of this essay was that one's own conscience should be held at a higher priority than the law.
These authors, along with others, were part of The Transcendental Club. The group met in Boston at the home of George Ripley. They started a publication known as The Dial which was edited by Margaret Fuller. Fuller was a radical feminist at the time.