Transcendentalism is a 19th-century literary movement originating in New England, emphasizing intuition and spirituality over empirical reasoning. It gained prominence through key figures such as Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau, who advocated for individualism and rejected traditional Calvinistic beliefs. The movement's principles continue to influence modern culture through various media, highlights the ongoing relevance of transcendentalist ideas in today's society.

1. Transcendentalism
Name:- Dhruvita Dhameliya
Roll no:- 03
Enrollment number:-4069206420210006
Subject:- The American Literature
Paper no:- 108
Topic:- Transcendentalism
Submitted to:- S. B.Gardi Department of English , MKBU

2. Points to ponder
1)What is Transcendentalism
2) System of Transcendentalism
3) History of Transcendentalist Movement
4) Key figures in the Transcendentalist Movement
5) Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau
6) Famous quotes
7 Modern Transcendentalism

3. Transcendentalism
Defination:-
“A literary movement that believes truth
exist beyond reason and experience”

4. What is Transcendentalism?
Transcendentalism comes from a Latin word - Transcendere - which means to
“Climb over or beyond” In 19th century movement of writers and philosophers in
New - England who were loosely bound together by adherence to an idealistic
system of thought based on a belief in the essential unity of all
creation.(Vocabulary.com)
Founder of the American transcendentalism movement were indeed trying to
‘climb beyond’ traditional empirical thinking, favouring instead a person's
intuitions and natural spirituality.

5. System of Transcendentalism
There are quite a few varieties of Transcendentalism among different
Transcendentalists , but the common Idea that binds them together are their rejection
of calvinism, idea of original sin , pessimism, deprevity of man and all forms of
authority. Transcendentalism an idea against orthodoxy and calvinistic tradition
gained it's ground especially the writings of the Henry David Thoreau.
The core belief system of Transcendentalism mostly consists of the idea that both
men and women contain knowledge that enables them to transcend the world around
them. This knowledge is not considered to have come from a physical sense, but
rather from an institute one.

6. System of Transcendentalism
The core belief system of Transcendentalism mostly consists of the idea that both
men and women contain knowledge that enables them to transcend the world
around them. This knowledge is not considered to have come from a physical
sense, but rather from an institute one. Transcendentalism has four major
principles:-
In Every aspect of nature God is present even in every human being. Everyone is
capable of learning about God through intuition. In all its manifestation, nature is
symbolic of the spirit. The world is good and evil is non-existent.

7. History of the Transcendentalist Movement:-
While people had begun discussing ideas related to Transcendentalism since
the early 1800, the movement itself has it's origins in 1830s in new England.
Unitarianism was the major religion in the area, and it emphasized spirituality
and enlightenment through logic , knowledge and rationality.
In September 1836 , Ralph Waldo Emerson organised the first meeting of
what would later be called the transcendental club.(papersowl)

8. Key figures in the Transcendentalist Movement
At it height many people supported the belief of the Transcendentalism and
numerous names from the 19th century have been associated with the movement.
1) Ralph Waldo Emerson :- Emerson is key in Transcendentalism.
2) Henry David Thoreau :- Henry David Thoreau the second most important
Transcendentalist.
3) Margaret Fuller :- Margaret Fuller was perhaps the leading female
Transcendentalist. A well known journalist and supporter of women's rights.

9. Ralph Waldo Emerson & Henry David Thoreau
‘Self reliance’ by Ralph Waldo
Emerson. He wrote this essay in
1841 to share his views on the
issues of , self reliance.
Throughout the essay he
discussed the importance of
individuality and how people
must avoid the temptation to
conform to society at the
expense of their true selves.
‘The summer rain by Henry David
Thoreau. This poem focuses on the
beauty and simplicity of nature -
Thoreau also makes a points to show
that he believes nature is more
enjoyable and a better place to Learn
from than intellectual pursuits like
reading and studing.(Britannica)

10. Famous quotes:-

11. Modern Transcendentalism
Transcendentalism still exist today in many different ways. You may not even realize it
because it blends and comes so easily to us in our everyday lives. We have found
evidence of the influence of transcendentalist ideas in popular songs, commercials, and
even video games.(Prezi)
Transcendentalism In Modern Media:-
Popular Music
Television
Video Games

12. Example of Transcendentalist Idea of today:-
1)What advice would you give to young women watching on how to deal with the
pressures they face today?
Harnaaz: The biggest pressure the youth face today is to believe in themselves. Know
that you are unique and that’s what makes you beautiful. Stop comparing yourselves
with others and let’s talk about more important things that are happening worldwide. I
think this is what you need to understand. Come out, speak for yourself because you
are the leader of your life. You are the voice of your own. I believed in myself and
that’s why I’m standing here today.”The Times of India

13. Conclusion

15. Citation
● Biswas, Saptaparna. “Miss Universe 2021 Harnaaz Sandhu: I Believed in Myself and That's Why I'm Standing
Here Today - Times of India.” The Times of India, The Times of India, 14 Dec. 2021,
m.timesofindia.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/miss-universe-2021-harnaaz-sandhu-i-believed-in-
myself-and-thats-why-im-standing-here-today/articleshow/88268485.cms.
● Britannica, The Editors of Encyclopaedia. "Transcendentalism". Encyclopedia Britannica, 22 Oct. 2021,
https://www.britannica.com/event/Transcendentalism-American-movement. Accessed 13 April 2022.
● “Find out How Strong Your Vocabulary Is and Learn New Words at Vocabulary.com.” Vocabulary.com,
https://www.vocabulary.com/.
● Kelly, Martin. “Transcendentalism: The Importance and Equality of the Individual.” ThoughtCo, ThoughtCo, 22
Nov. 2017, https://www.thoughtco.com/transcendentalism-in-american-history-104287.
● “Transcendentalism, an American Philosophy.” Ushistory.org, Independence Hall Association,
https://www.ushistory.org/us/26f.asp.
● “Transcendentalism Today.” Prezi.com, https://prezi.com/l4lq56216ybi/transcendentalism-today/.