Transcendentalism

Origins of Transcendentalism

A religious, philosophical, and literary movement.

Began in New England in the 1830s.

Core Ideas

There is a “true” reality that transcends, or goes beyond, the physical world.

People will find truth within themselves, not through logic, religion or the senses.

Nature is a doorway to the spiritual world.

Key Beliefs

1. Nonconformity2. Self-reliance3. Free thought4. Confidence5. Importance of Nature

Key Beliefs

1. Nonconformity:failure or refusal toconform.

*Society corrupts a persons inner goodwill & by remaining outside of society’s influences a person could transcend the evils society tempted them with and achieve true peace. Be yourself!

Key Beliefs

2. Self-reliance:Individuals are created equally but in a unique way – Reach for your own dreams.

“If a man does not keep pace with his companions, perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer. Let him step to the music which he hears, however measured or far away.” Henry David Thoreau

Key Beliefs

3. Free thought:Thinking that is unrestrained by anyauthority.

Respect others beliefs & thoughts BUT you also have to believe in yourself.

Key Beliefs

4. Confidence:Believe in yourself!

“What lies behind us & what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lives within us.” Henry David Thoreau

Key Beliefs

5.Importance of Nature: observationover authority.

“Every particular in nature, a leaf, a drop, a crystal, a moment of time is related to the whole, and partakes of the perfection of the whole.” Ralph Waldo Emerson

Main Figures

Ralph Waldo Emerson Teacher, philosopher, lecturer Essays- “Self-reliance” & “Nature” Poet

Henry David Thoreau Student, practitioner Book- Walden Essay- “Civil Disobedience” Cabin at Walden Pond

Walden Pond- Concord, Massachusetts