1. Introduction to Transcendentalism

2. Transcend: [verb] to go beyond the limits of; exceed; be above and independent of the physical universe

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

4. The Basic Premises of Transcendentalism Belief that an individual is the spiritual center of the universe Belief that an individual is the spiritual center of the universe All knowledge begins with self-knowledge. All knowledge begins with self-knowledge. Transcendentalists believed there was an inherent connection between all living elements and human beings and God. Transcendentalists believed there was an inherent connection between all living elements and human beings and God.

5. They believed that through the attainment of knowledge, human beings could transcend the limitations of the physical senses and attain spiritual awareness and enlightenment. They believed that through the attainment of knowledge, human beings could transcend the limitations of the physical senses and attain spiritual awareness and enlightenment.

6. The Oversoul Emerson espoused belief in a force called the Oversoul. Emerson espoused belief in a force called the Oversoul. The Oversoul was the divine spirit or mind that was present in every man and in all of nature. It was an all-pervading, omniscient, supreme mind. We are all part of nature, each other, and God. The Oversoul was the divine spirit or mind that was present in every man and in all of nature. It was an all-pervading, omniscient, supreme mind. We are all part of nature, each other, and God.

7. Four Categories We will focus on and study Transcendentalist principles that fall in four categories: We will focus on and study Transcendentalist principles that fall in four categories: Self reliance Self reliance Individuality Individuality Connection to nature/God Connection to nature/God “Fight” for Your Rights “Fight” for Your Rights

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

9. 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. 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. 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. Be Yourself- Exercise the self-discipline necessary to study oneself in relation to nature.

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

11. Au Natural: “Walden” Principles God as Nature- God is in man and in all living things. 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. 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. 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. Physical and Mental Work- People should be both physically and intellectually active throughout life.

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

13. “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. 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- Four Tenants of Civil Disobedience- You must know the law You must know the law You must appeal to a higher law (morality, God…) You must appeal to a higher law (morality, God…) You must know the consequences for violating the law You must know the consequences for violating the law You must choose to suffer the consequences You must choose to suffer the consequences

14. Questions to Consider: What would be required to prove an over soul? What would be required to prove an over soul? What is your connection to nature? What is your connection to nature? What is society’s connection to nature? Or have we lost that connection? What is society’s connection to nature? Or have we lost that connection? When was the last time you spent time in nature? When was the last time you spent time in nature? How well do you know yourself? Do you enjoy your time alone? How comfortable are you spending time alone? How well do you know yourself? Do you enjoy your time alone? How comfortable are you spending time alone?