1. Transcendentalism 1840-1860

2. What is it? Intellectual movement Not philosophy or literary theory View that basic truths of the universe lie beyond the knowledge we obtain from our senses Realm of knowledge that transcends what we hear or see in books

3. The Universal Soul Intuition is the “highest power of the soul” Intuition allows people to experience and understand their souls One can experience God firsthand EVERYONE can experience his own soul and God Nature also has a sacred soul The souls of Nature, God, and humanity are all intertwined.

4. Nature Transcendentalists take many ideas from Romantics about nature Goodness of the natural world All parts of the natural world are significant and symbolic of the Universal Soul Writing demonstrates deep reverence for nature

5. Self-Knowledge The heart of Transcendentalism Nature is a means of knowing oneself Transcendentalists explore deeply into the human personality, especially its irrational elements All individuals have an inner world to explore

6. Key Transcendentalists Ralph Waldo Emerson –“Nature” –“Self-Reliance” Henry David Thoreau –Walden