Transcendentalism Cecilia H. C. Liu American Literature I 11/8/2004

Puritanism Pervasive moralist Inner light intuition Unitarianism Equalitarianism Rationalism Brotherhood of man Deity — immanent principle implicit in all men Political influences Andrew Jacksonian Democracy Egalitarianism Oriental philosophy Hinduism Taoism Greek nature Philosophy Platonism German philosophy Individuality Self-assertion Self-transcendence Reason Transcendentalism

Andrew Jacksonian Democracy Jackson, Andrew, 1767 – 1845, 7th President of the United States (1829 – 37), b. Waxhaw settlement on the border of South Carolina and North Carolina (both states claim him). Popular hero of his time, a man of action, and an expansionist, Jackson was associated with the movement toward increased popular participation in government. He was regarded by many as the symbol of the democratic feelings of the time, and later generations were to speak of Jacksonian democracy. Source : sonianDemocracy.asp

Equalitarianism Unitarianism the doctrine of the equality of mankind and the desirability of political and economic and social equality egalitarianism Christian doctrine that stresses individual freedom of belief and rejects the Trinity

Emerson ( ) God reveals himself everywhere and in all things, at all times. Nature is the revelation of God — matter is the manifestation of spirit. Reason beholds spirit in nature; understanding comprehends only matter. Reason ’ s communion with nature as spirit can redeem man by animating his spiritual affinities.

Emerson awakes national pride and confidence, makes every man realize his own value. He encourages his people that they can do something by themselves. His matured philosophy of individualism functions through the relations of the “ self ” with God, or the “ Over-Soul ”— which is another name for the moral law inherent in nature.

Emerson ’ s basic philosophical ideas were formed before he gained any real knowledge of Asian literature. When he discovered Asian wisdom, he welcomed it. He especially found Hinduism ’ s teaching of absolute unity very harmonious with his transcendental ideas. He responded less to Buddhism and Chinese thought than to Indian philosophy, but it seems he eventually also gained much from China. See Carpenter, Frederic Ives. Emerson and Asia. Cambridge: Harvard UP, 1930.

Hinduism Hinduism is the world's third most popular religion, with around 900 million followers. Those who follow this faith are known as Hindus. About 80% of the population of India regard themselves as Hindus. Hinduism is the fourth most popular religion in Britain with around 400,000 followers.

Bare Essentials of Hinduism Hinduism is over 3000 years old, although elements of the faith are much older. No founder, single teacher, nor prophets. Not a single unified religion. Originated near the river Indus. Hindus believe in a universal soul or God called Brahman. There are many other deities such as Krishna, Shiva, Rama and Durga. Hindus believe that existence is a cycle of birth, death, and rebirth, governed by Karma.