Introduction to Transcendentalism What is Transcendentalism n Transcendentalism

Introduction to Transcendentalism

What is Transcendentalism? n Transcendentalism: Is a spiritual belief system n Was a philosophical movement n Was a literary movement n Began in the 1830 s in Concord, Massachusetts n Is considered the first truly “American” philosophical and literary movement n

The Basic Premises of Transcendentalism Belief that an individual is the spiritual center of the universe n n n So… within each individual lie the clues to nature and history All knowledge begins with self-knowledge. Nature is a living mystery full of signs Nature is symbolic and spiritual One must have faith in intuition, for no church or traditional creed can communicate truth.

Four Categories n We will focus on and study Transcendentalist principles that fall in four categories: n To Thine Own Self Be True n Au Natural n “Fight” for Your Rights n Welcome to the Dark Side

To Thine Own Self Be True… n n Text: “Self-Reliance” Author: Ralph Waldo Emerson Philosopher, poet, preacher, and essayist Known for his use of aphorisms in his writing

To Thine Own Self Be True: “Self-Reliance” Principles Determine Truth for Yourself- Only accept those traditions which appear to be true; reject the rest. n Know Thyself- Become a person of principle and then live by those principles, even if the majority of society doesn’t agree. n Be Yourself- Exercise the self-discipline necessary to study oneself in relation to nature. n

Au Natural n n Text: “Walden” Author: Henry David Thoreau Essayist & teacher He lived in isolation on Walden Pond for two years to learn from Nature…

Au Natural: “Walden” Principles n n God as Nature – God is in man and in all living things. Contemplation of Divine Nature and Nature- It is best to live as close to nature as possible, for there a person can most successfully contemplate his/her reason for being. Time and Personal Growth- Work (for money) only enough to fulfill basic needs. Dedicate the rest of your time to personal growth. Physical and Mental Work- People should be both physically and intellectually active throughout life.

“Fight” For Your Rights… n n n Text: “Civil Disobedience” Author: Henry David Thoreau Wrote this essay while in jail for refusing to pay taxes that funded a war that he didn’t believe in.

“Fight” For Your Rights: “Civil Disobedience” Principles n n Least Government Best- Have to courage to practice some form of non-violent protest if a law violates your principles, even if you must suffer the consequences. Four Tenants of Civil Disobediencen You must know the law n You must appeal to a higher law (morality, God…) n You must know the consequences for violating the law n You must choose to suffer the consequences