1. TRANSCENDENTALISM

2. What was it?
A literary, philosophical, and political movement (much like Romanticism)

3. When?
1830s and 1840s (just after Romanticism)

4. Emphasis on EMOTION
Instead of reason and intellect, transcendentalists focused on their EMOTIONS and their SENSES

5. Emphasis on Nature
Transcendentalists felt that in nature, we could discover ourselves
(me = the grass = you = the sun = me)
Nature is a mystery, full of signs

6. Emphasis on the INDIVIDUAL
An individual is the spiritual center of the universe.� 
Within the self or the individual are found the clues or the secrets to nature, history and the cosmos
Happiness depends on self-realization

7. Every person and thing has a divine spark or “inner light”
The ultimate goal of existence is to connect with that light

8. Major Authors Ralph Waldo Emerson Henry David Thoreau Margaret Fuller
Walt Whitman

9. Ralph Waldo Emerson Leader of the Transcendentalism movement
Believed that all things and people are connected to God

10. Major Themes of Transcendentalism
Nature
One’s self – relying on one’s self, connecting to, emotions, etc
Idealism/Optimism
Connection to God

11. Journal
"Most men appear never to have considered what a house is, and are actually though needlessly poor all their lives because they think that they must have such a one as their neighbors have.“ - Ralph Waldo Emerson
Explain what you think this quote means
Do you agree with this sentiment? Why or why not?

12. When during a routine day do you find yourself the happiest?  Most bored?  Explain.

13. Do you believe you have too many, just enough, or too few conveniences in your life?  Explain

14. 3. If you didn't have to worry about making a lot of money, what occupation would you choose?  Why?

15. Homework for 11.15
Find the lyrics to a song that embody/echo the spirit of Transcendentalism.
Can be any song (please black out swear words), as long as part of it (or all of it) echoes the themes and overall message of Transcendentalism.
Print or write out the lyrics to the entire song. DO NOT HIGHLIGHT OR POINT OUT THE SPECIFIC LYRICS. Just bring them in.