The Transcendental Movement Arises In New England

“Transcendentalism is the belief that some truths transcend proof reflected both a reaction to growing American materialism and a confidence in humankind that led to social experiments and reform movements and continued to influence social movements through the twentieth century” ("Transcendental Movement Arises in New England"). In the early to mid-nineteenth century, a philosophical movement known as Transcendentalism expanded in America and evolved into a predominantly literary expression. “Adherents to Transcendentalism believed that knowledge could be arrived at not just through the senses, but through intuition and contemplation of the internal spirit” (Rahn). The beginning of the movement can be accurately traced to 1836 and the first

They were optimistic and believed in human perfectibility; they engaged in projects that tried to create the ideal reality. Transcendentalism centers on the divinity of everyone; however, this divinity can only be self-discovered if the person had the independence of mind. Transcendentalists believed in democracy, equality, the unlimited power of the individual and the beauty of the human spirit and the natural world. They focused on the positive aspects of life while working to improve the injustices of the world. Transcendentalists’ view of nature is unique and interesting. They believe that there is an inner spark connecting all dimensions of nature, including humanity, which cannot be discovered through logical reasoning but only through intuition and the creative insight. They stressed the importance of harmony with nature. Transcendentalism is an idealism that encompasses a diverse and sometimes confusing set of beliefs regarding man’s role in nature and the universe (“Optimism and

The need for a person to depend on society is as great as the need for society to depend on the individual. By becoming suddenly younger, people endanger themselves of losing their familiar circle of friends and acquaintances. Hawthorne depicted people who had no regard for societal values at all; he was among the first to introduce the problem of the ethic of science. “Other Transcendentalists emphasized the unity of humankind and stressed cooperation rather than individualism as the key to social improvement” ("Transcendental Movement Arises in New