The Important Role of Transcendentalism in American History Essay

The Important Role of transcendentalism in American narrative In 1830, a movement known as supernaturalism began to lay downpopularity in America. Representing an idealistic system of thought,strength, courage, self-confidence, and independence of mind1 were more or lessbasic values admired by the followers of the Transcendental movement.Transcendentalists hostile umpteen a(prenominal) aspects of their government, where theyfelt many an(prenominal) unjust laws existed.2 Therefore, they became the leaders ofmany modern reform movements. Transcendentalists also had a major affecton their society. Transcendentalism became a powerful force fordemocracy.3 Originating in the celestial orbit in and around Concord, Massachusettes,Transcendentalism was recognized as having an underlying kindred tothe Romantic movement as a totally.4 Three of the to the highest degree obvious or wellknown sources or origin of Transcendentalism are neo-platonism, Germanidealistic ph ilosophy, and certain Eastern mystical literary works which wereintroduced into the Boston area in the early nineteenth century.5 Transcendental beliefs focused on the importance of spirit overmatter.6 Ralph Waldo Emerson, a well known Transcendentalist, felt thatall men aspire to the highest, and nearly of them spend their lives seekingmoney and power only because they see nothing higher.7 Followers alsobelieved in a spiritual hunger, or the need to find themselves one with theworld. In addition, they believed in an ascending pecking order of spiritualvalues rising to absolute good, truth, and beauty.8 Transcendentalistsalso believed in a supreme being, the Oversoul, and felt that if theOversoul is all powerful and at the very(prenominal) time good, then evil does notexist.9... ...reconciled few of them.19It was never united by a set program. Transcendentalism was comprised ofthe various interests and labors of many different personal concepts.Therefore, there were man y conflicting values which make it an unsteadysystem to follow. At the time of the Transcendentalism movement, it preached, practiced,an idealism that was greatly needed in a rapidly expanding economy.20 However, soon volume began to find other, more comprehensible means ofdealing within society. Therefore, they began to overrule away fromTranscendentalism. However, even though Transcendentalism is non-existentas a whole today, many of its ideas, values, and morals are still presentin many of the religions and beliefs of todays society. In conclusion,Transcendentalism will always be present in the world, it just will nothave as obvious a presence.