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The Beginning Of Transcendentalism
In the early 1800's, debates were organized to decipher a new theological way of thinking. Debates between "New Light" speakers, people who believed in forming religious habits though emotion and experience, and the "Old Light" protesters, who's values correlated with religion, and a proper approach to modern day society.
Transcendentalism is based off the belief in finding peace, and religious ideas through nature, and the benefits that nature provides for humanity through simplicity. -
Harvard
Emerson began his transcendentalist studies at Harvard University in 1817. Here, Emerson was able to meet other transcendentalists who also started on the path to find nature's simplicity. -
Emerson's Grievances
Ralph Waldo Emerson was one of the founding fathers of transcendentalism and allowed for the advancement of this simplistic idea. However, in 1836, Emerson reveals his true emotions regarding the Unitarian Church, causing him to resign and disperse his new ideology of nature and simplicity in nature. -
The Transcendental Club
Due to many transcendentalist's anger with the Unitarian Church, people such as Nathaniel Hawthorne and Henry David Thoreau soon began an unofficial club called the Transcendental Club, here they could brainstorm new ways to spread the idea of nature's simplicity through transcendentalism. Emerson, Thoreau, Fuller, Hawthorne, and others were able to organize the very ideas that the club was based off of and write a book to show modern society the importance of nature. -
Ralph Waldo Emerson's "Nature"
"Nature" is a collection of essays written by Ralph Waldo Emerson which played a key role in laying out the foundation of Transcendentalism. He used spirituality as a major theme within the essays. He also expresses his belief that people must develop a personal understanding of the universe which we live in. -
The Dial
In 1840, the Transcendental Club was able to publish a journal called, "The Dial". This journal, written and published by members such as Henry David Thoreau and Margaret Fuller, was devoted to "spiritual philosophy" and served as the chief publication of the Transcendentalists. -
Transcendental Women
Sarah Margaret Fuller Ossoli was the founding transcendental woman who helped publish "The Dial". Fuller was also successful in writing philosophical books to help explain her views and allow other people to become aware of the simplicity of nature. For example, her first book, Summer on The Lakes, resembled a trip through the Midwest, showing the beauty and pureness of nature. -
Thoreau's "Civil Disobedience"
"Civil Disobedience" by Henry David Thoreau was an essay which argued that citizens should not allow the government to overrule their consciences. He explains we have a duty to avoid this. Thoreau's disgust with slavery and the Mexican-American War prompted him to write this essay. -
Walden
Henry David Thoreau stayed at Walden pond to help find his inner peace throughout nature. He stayed near the pond for 2 years, 2 months, 2 days. -
Walt Whitman's "Leaves of Grass"
Book published containing a collection of 12 poems written by American poet Walt Whitman. Each poem represented Whitman's celebration of his philosophy on life and humanity. -
A Plea For Captain John Brown
Henry David Thoreau wrote this essay to show people that the abolitionist John Brown was correct in his ways. He describes the people that were against abolition as, dead or their beliefs had ceased to exist.
