Overview on Transcendentalism
Definition: a composite philosophy that grew partially out of discontentment with New England Unitarianism that had been growing increasingly conservative. Transcendentalists believe that aspects of society such as organized religion and political parties degraded the individual's virtue.
Characteristics:
-Nonconformity
-Self-reliance
-Confidence
-Importance of Nature
-Importance of Individual
-Simplicity
-Human Divinity
-Democracy
-Unity of God
-Rejection of Popular Culture
-Belief in the unity of spiritual and material worlds
Period: Early 1800s - the Civil War
Transcendentalism was a protest to the general state of society and culture in the 19th century. With industrialism becoming more and more prevalent at the time, transcendentalism was a big contrast to the time period. It went against the changing society and emphasized the importance of nature and individuality, values that were beginning to be lost in the emergence of new technology and industrialism.
Transcendentalism had a positive impact on Abolition and Women's Rights Movements. In fact, many transcendentalists were involved in these movements as well. Transcendentalism is all about individualism and self-reliance, so transcendentalists were big advocates for equality for all people.
Characteristics:
-Nonconformity
-Self-reliance
-Confidence
-Importance of Nature
-Importance of Individual
-Simplicity
-Human Divinity
-Democracy
-Unity of God
-Rejection of Popular Culture
-Belief in the unity of spiritual and material worlds
Period: Early 1800s - the Civil War
Transcendentalism was a protest to the general state of society and culture in the 19th century. With industrialism becoming more and more prevalent at the time, transcendentalism was a big contrast to the time period. It went against the changing society and emphasized the importance of nature and individuality, values that were beginning to be lost in the emergence of new technology and industrialism.
Transcendentalism had a positive impact on Abolition and Women's Rights Movements. In fact, many transcendentalists were involved in these movements as well. Transcendentalism is all about individualism and self-reliance, so transcendentalists were big advocates for equality for all people.