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Transcendentalism

Transcendentalism. 1840-1860. What do the following terms mean to you?. CONFORMITY NONCONFORMITY REBEL NORM SOCIETY. What do these quotes say? How are they connected?. “Trust thyself, every heart vibrates to that iron string.” –Emerson

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Transcendentalism

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  1. Transcendentalism 1840-1860

  2. What do the following terms mean to you? CONFORMITY NONCONFORMITY REBEL NORM SOCIETY

  3. What do these quotes say?How are they connected? • “Trust thyself, every heart vibrates to that iron string.” –Emerson • “Society everywhere is in conspiracy against the manhood of every one of its members.” –Emerson • “Whoso would be a man, must be a nonconformist.” –Emerson • “To be great is to be misunderstood.” Emerson • “If a man does not keep pace with his companions, perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer.” -Thoreau

  4. What is it? • Everything in the world, including human beings, is a reflection of the Divine Soul. • People can use their intuition to behold God’s spirit revealed in nature or in their own souls. • Self-reliance and individualism must outweigh external authority and blind conformity to tradition.

  5. Characteristics • Everything is one (God, humanity and nature) • Believe that the basic truths of the universe lie beyond empirical data • Intuition is the core of knowledge • Our souls are linked to reality beyond the physical world • The oversoul: Universal collective soul: Spiritual purity

  6. Characteristics (cont’d) • Search for inspiration and insight • Each man is able to experience God firsthand • Faith in the goodness of nature • “Transcend” – to go beyond the physical world into the metaphysical (sublime)

  7. What are their core beliefs? • Life could be better if people simplify their needs. • People should be themselves – no matter what. • People should be self-reliant or independent. • Even if that means they must “go against the grain” or go against government laws.

  8. What is their place in society? • Involved in the abolitionist or anti-slavery movement • Believed in securing rights for women and Native Americans

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