The Important Role of Transcendentalism in American History Essay

The Important Role of Transcendentalism in American History In 1830, a movement known as Transcendentalism began to gainpopularity in America. Representing an idealistic system of thought,strength, courage, self-confidence, and independence of mind1 were somebasic value admired by the followers of the Transcendental movement.Transcendentalists opposed many aspects of their government, where theyfelt many unjust laws existed.2 Therefore, they became the leaders ofmany modern reform movements. Transcendentalists too had a major affecton their society. Transcendentalism became a powerful force fordemocracy.3 Originating in the area in and around Concord, Massachusettes,Transcendentalism was accepted as having an underlying relationship tothe Romantic movement as a whole.4 Three of the approximately obvious or wellknown sources or origin of Transcendentalism are neo-platonism, Germanidealistic philosophy, and certain Eastern mystical writings 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 most of them spend their lives seekingmoney and power only because they see nothing higher.7 Followers alsobelieved in a spiritual hunger, or the sine qua non to find themselves one with theworld. In addition, they believed in an ascending hierarchy of spiritualvalues rising to absolute good, truth, and beauty.8 Transcendentalistsalso believed in a sovereign being, the Oversoul, and felt that if theOversoul is all powerful and at the same eon 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 many conflicting values which made it an unsteadysystem to follow. At the time of the Trans cendentalism movement, it preached, practiced,an idealism that was greatly needed in a rapidly expanding economy.20 However, soon people began to find other, more comprehensible means of relations within society. Therefore, they began to turn 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.