Introduction to Transcendentalism

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

The Basic Premises of Transcendentalism Belief that an individual is the spiritual center of the universe 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 We will focus on and study Transcendentalist principles that fall in four categories: To Thine Own Self Be True Au Natural “Fight” for Your Rights Welcome to the Dark Side

To Thine Own Self Be True… 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. Know Thyself- Become a person of principle and then live by those principles, even if the majority of society doesn’t agree. Be Yourself- Exercise the self-discipline necessary to study oneself in relation to nature.

Au Natural 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 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… 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 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 Disobedience- You must know the law You must appeal to a higher law (morality, God…) You must know the consequences for violating the law You must choose to suffer the consequences