Transcendentalism in a Nutshell When: Philosophy developed during the 1820s and 1830s. Where: New England Who: Many were involved, but Ralph Waldo Emerson is considered the “father” of the movement. Henry David Thoreau, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, Louisa May Alcott, Walt Whitman, and Emily Dickinson were also considered major figures in the movement. So…what is it?: Belief in man’s inherent goodness and belief that institutions corrupt man’s goodness. Man is at his best when he relies on himself, understands himself, and believes in himself and his inherent goodness. NATURE teaches us that all good things are “wild and free”

Simplicity Thoreau believed that "A man is rich in proportion to the number of things which he can afford to let alone" (76). The single best way to live this simple life was through living naturally. The most “successful” simple people find comfort in nature. How to do this: Plant your own garden; live off as little energy as possible; rid yourself of unnecessary possessions.

Belief that Nature is Sacred The only thing we can control is our mind. Nature serves as the vessel to do so most efficiently. Through a strong association with nature, one will be able to understand his soul and in turn be able to live a truly successful life, free from the constraints and conformity found in society. When connected to nature, people will find and understand their place in the world and in turn are much more satisfied with it.

Carpe Diem (Seize the Day) Attitude! We only live once so live life to the fullest! Embrace life today because it might be gone tomorrow. Emerson believed in living for what presents itself to us today, today--worry about living what presents itself tomorrow, tomorrow.  Nothing is promised beyond what we are living right now. 

Nonconformity Transcendentalists believed that society corrupts our inner goodwill. Remaining outside of society's influences, a person can rise above the temptations and evils to achieve true peace. Thoreau supported violating the laws set forth by the government if one feels that they are harmful. Thoreau refused to condone slavery as he felt it to be morally unacceptable. He was shunned by many for his beliefs, but he continued to stand up for what he believed in.

Individuality Individualism inspires free thought and actions based on one’s own values, not the values of others. The true purpose of individualism is not to cause trouble, but to promote people to make the choices of peace and harmony on their own. Quotable Folks: "All persons ought to endeavor to follow what is right, and not what is established." –Aristotle "Disobedience, in the eyes of anyone who has read history, is man’s original virtue." -Oscar Wilde "The strongest man in the world is he who stands most alone." -Henrik Ibsen

Embrace God, Not Organized Religion Most transcendentalists were very spiritual people and believed we are connected to God in a very spiritual way. However, they believed that we do not need organized religion to guide us—man is inherently good and has a strong moral compass within himself…we just need to listen to it

Self-Teaching Education is only necessary when a person has no understanding of the world around them. A person truly in tune with nature, spirituality, and individuality can teach themselves. A person can learn all they need to know about the world and about themselves simply by watching the natural world around them. So…go take a walk in the woods! By yourself!