10 Main Tenets of Transcendentalism
I've been doing some reading about transcendentalism. I've had a passing interest in this uniquely American pseudo-philosophy, having read Walden and Walking several times over.
The Transcendental movement attempted to bridge the many divides existing in 19th-century America between the Christian church, societal norms, ever-advancing scientific discoveries, and man's role in nature.
The leading proponents of transcendentalism in the 19th century were Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau.
1. Non-conformity.
Transcendentalists believe that society holds the power to corrupt individuals, and therefore it is incumbent on man to practice civil disobedience. Thoreau, in fact, wrote a famous essay titled "Civil Disobedience."
2. Self-reliance.
Since one is to resist the influence of societal norms, one must turn to reliance on the self. Emerson even wrote a well-known essay titled "Self-Reliance."
3. Personal responsibility.
Continuing on the theme of individualism, one must take responsibility for all that is within one's control and not pass off any obligation to society, government, or a higher being.
4. Adherence, but not allegiance, to science.
The movement never rejects science, but its greater focus is foremost on one's experience and intuition. When in doubt, trust the self.
5. Adherence, but not allegiance, to Christian doctrine.
Transcendentalists play well with Christians, generally, but favored the divinity of nature over church orthodoxy.
6. Reverence to nature.
Above any scientific or Christian dogma is nature. All man is to live in nature with respect and reverence, and man is to consider nature to be sacred and divine above all else.
7. Simple living.
Simplicity is a critical component of transcendentalism. Thoreau wrote in Walden, "A man is rich in proportion to the number of things which he can afford to let alone."
8. Gender and racial equality.
In addition to being in favor of women's rights, the transcendentalists of the 19th century were fervent abolitionists - both positions were far from commonplace at the time.
9. Humans have a direct connection with the divine.
Again, the divine is typified by nature, but the larger point is that there is no intermediary (scientists, priests, the church) between humans and God.
10. The intrinsic goodness of humankind.
Humans were born to nature with goodwill. It is only the corrupting influence of society and religious dogma that turns people into the wicked.
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