1. American Transcendentalism …A pragmatic philosophy …A state of mind …A form of spirituality

2. Basic Assumptions The individual is the spiritual center of the universe The individual is the spiritual center of the universe An understanding of nature, history and God can be found in the individual An understanding of nature, history and God can be found in the individual All knowledge begins with self knowledge All knowledge begins with self knowledge

3. Basic Assumptions Nature is a living mystery, filled with symbolism Nature is a living mystery, filled with symbolism Individual happiness depends on self- realization Individual happiness depends on self- realization –To know and become one with the world and nature –To remain unique and separate

4. Fundamental Beliefs Transcendentalism is a form of idealism Transcendentalism is a form of idealism Transcendentalism was influenced by: Transcendentalism was influenced by: –Puritanism –Quaker beliefs –Unitarianism –Romanticism

5. Fundamental Beliefs Transcendentalism rises about the animalistic impulses of life Transcendentalism rises about the animalistic impulses of life Transcendentalism moves from the rational to the spiritual realm Transcendentalism moves from the rational to the spiritual realm The individual human soul is part of the Divine Soul or Oversoul The individual human soul is part of the Divine Soul or Oversoul Every individual is part of the Oversoul Every individual is part of the Oversoul

6. Fundamental Beliefs The Oversoul is interchangeable with God The Oversoul is interchangeable with God God is found in nature and in human nature God is found in nature and in human nature Life is more important than afterlife Life is more important than afterlife Death is not feared – the soul passes to the Oversoul in death Death is not feared – the soul passes to the Oversoul in death

7. Fundamental Beliefs Evil is merely the absence of good Evil is merely the absence of good Good is much more powerful than evil Good is much more powerful than evil Power is obtained through self-reliance Power is obtained through self-reliance Consistency is not valued Consistency is not valued There is a unity between all things in the universe There is a unity between all things in the universe True reform comes from within True reform comes from within

8. Influences of Transcendentalism Plato introduced idealism, which teaches that reality exists beyond the appearances of the world Plato introduced idealism, which teaches that reality exists beyond the appearances of the world Immanuel Kant supported the importance of the natural spontaneity of the human mind Immanuel Kant supported the importance of the natural spontaneity of the human mind John Locke introduced the concept of the mind as a tabula rasa (blank slate), and that all knowledge develops from sensations John Locke introduced the concept of the mind as a tabula rasa (blank slate), and that all knowledge develops from sensations