What Transcendentalists Believed

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Transcendentalism: Beliefs and Principles

Introduction

Transcendentalism was a philosophical and literary movement that originated in the United States in the 1830s. The transcendentalists believed in the inherent goodness of humanity and the importance of intuition and experience over reason and tradition. They also emphasized the importance of nature and the need for individual self-reliance.

Key Beliefs

The transcendentalists believed in the following key principles:

  • The inherent goodness of humanity. The transcendentalists believed that all people are born with a natural goodness and that the goal of life is to develop and express this goodness.
  • The importance of intuition and experience over reason and tradition. The transcendentalists believed that reason and tradition can be limiting and that true knowledge comes from intuition and experience.
  • The importance of nature. The transcendentalists believed that nature is a source of inspiration and wisdom and that spending time in nature can help us to connect with our true selves.
  • The need for individual self-reliance. The transcendentalists believed that individuals should be self-reliant and that they should not rely on the government or other institutions for support.

Influence

Transcendentalism had a significant influence on American literature and thought. The transcendentalists’ ideas were reflected in the works of many of the great American writers of the 19th century, including Ralph Waldo Emerson, Henry David Thoreau, and Walt Whitman. Transcendentalism also influenced the development of the American environmental movement and the women’s suffrage movement.

Legacy

Transcendentalism is a complex and multifaceted movement that has had a lasting impact on American culture. The transcendentalists’ ideas about the inherent goodness of humanity, the importance of intuition and experience, and the need for individual self-reliance continue to resonate with people today.

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