Transcendentalism

Background: “transcendentalism” A response to the Industrial Revolution in 1830’s and 1840’s Feared that increasing production in factories meant a decreasing in sense of self. Originated by German, Immanuel Kant It is not a religion - it is a philosophy or a form of spirituality Centered around Boston and Concord, MA

What did Transcendentalists believe? The intuitive faculty, instead of the rational or sensical, became the means for a conscious union of the individual psyche (known in Sanskrit as Atman) with the world psyche also known as the Oversoul, life-force, prime mover and G-d (known in Sanskrit as Brahma).

Basic Premise #1 An individual is the spiritual center of the universe, and in an individual can be found the clue to nature, history and, ultimately, the cosmos itself. It is not a rejection of the existence of G-d, but a preference to explain an individual and the world in terms of an individual.

Basic Premise #2 The structure of the universe literally duplicates the structure of the individual self—all knowledge, therefore, begins with self- knowledge. This is similar to Aristotle's dictum "know thyself."

Basic Premise #3 Transcendentalists accepted the concept of nature as a living mystery, full of signs; nature is symbolic.

Basic Premise #4 The belief that individual virtue and happiness depend upon self- realization—this depends upon the reconciliation of two universal psychological tendencies: 1.The desire to embrace the whole world— to know and become one with the world. 2.The desire to withdraw, remain unique and separate—an egotistical existence.

Who were the Transcendentalists? Ralph Waldo Emerson Henry David Thoreau Amos Bronson Alcott Margaret Fuller Ellery Channing

Ralph Waldo Emerson Unitarian minister Poet and essayist Founded the Transcendental Club Popular lecturer Banned from Harvard for 40 years following his Divinity School address Supporter of abolitionism

From “Nature” LOVING NATURE IS THE KEY TO THE TRANSCENDENTAL EXPERIENCE! To love nature, we must retain our infancy- children see with their heart and eyes. Adults must react as children and spontaneously enjoy it.

From “Nature” NATURE BECOMES THE CATALYST THROUGH WHICH HUMANS ACHIEVE UNION WITH GOD People need to remove their egos, learning, and prejudices. Cannot rely or look upon the past. An epiphany occurs

From “Self Reliance” Be original! Action is higher than contemplation! YOU HAVE TO DO TO BE! We need to find in ourselves the strength and inspiration to be our own person, to live our own lives and not be held to some standards by others. INDIVIDUAL MIND Feeling and intuition are more important than reason. God gives each of us a vocation-Insist on yourself - we are a divine idea Don’t conform Don’t be afraid to say one thing today & another thing tomorrow

From “Self Reliance” TRUST THYSELF Do not conform Do not look to the past - it is gone. Strive to be great 2 Obstacles to Self Reliance: –Conformity It turns your life into a lie b/c you are living according to the will of others Why would you rely on others’ judgements –Consistency- “the hobgoblin of little minds: being consistent is foolish People should not have one idea and keep it forever We must recreate ourselves

Henry David Thoreau Schoolteacher, essayist, poet Most famous for Walden and Civil Disobedience Influenced environmental movement Supporter of abolitionism

Walden He built his house in the woods of Walden Pond, near Concord, MA, and lived there in total simplicity for two years. Ax, wardrobe, $30 Built 10 X 15 House –Table, chairs, bed, desk, mirror, cooking supplies Planted a garden Feels people are enslaved by their “supposed needs” They become slaves to materialism and acquisition. Makes people desperate. We need basics to learn more about ourselves and mankind