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Transcendentalism

Transcendentalism. What does it mean?. p hilosophy of Transcendentalism a reference to that which is within the human mind the innate ability within all people to fulfill their potential, to overcome adversity, to face challenges directly

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Transcendentalism

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  1. Transcendentalism

  2. What does it mean? • philosophy of Transcendentalism a reference to that which is within the human mind • the innate ability within all people to fulfill their potential, to overcome adversity, to face challenges directly • Listening to the inner voice, the Transcendentalist, at one with God and Nature, grows into an autonomous, self-reliant individual – no need for affirmation outside of him or herself

  3. Foundation • American Transcendentalism began as a combination of Unitarian theology (God is “one” rather than a “trinity, etc.) and German philosophy in the mid-1800s • Industrial Revolution bringing rapid change • New materialism a distraction (what about now?)

  4. Foundation Cont. • Being a good citizen meant following laws that were not always moral or right (ex. Fugitive Slave Laws returning escaped slaves to their owners) • Transcendentalists like Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau spoke out against such injustice • They were viewed as radical non-conformists

  5. The Dial • Magazine published by women’s rights activist Margaret Fuller • Platform to speak about equal rights for women, abolishment of slavery, rights and responsibilities of the individual, and injustices perpetrated in the name of Democracy

  6. Transcendentalist Values • Individuality above social acceptance • Creativity above financial prosperity • The Divine exists in Nature • Man is above the traditional deity of organized religion • Organized religion inspires fear and condemnation of self and others • Personal vision and truth above external reality • Experiential education over rote memorization and drill found in public schools

  7. Influential • Unhappy with social and political developments of the day • Developed and honed a powerful political voice (forerunner of Environmental movement, Civil Rights movement, women’s rights, peaceful protest to end war, etc.) • Helped define the spirit of American individualism and independence

  8. Reference Literary Touchstone Classics edition of Transcendentalism: Essential Essays of Emerson &Thoreau, 2008. Prestwick House.

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