Introduction to Transcendentalism
Task: Answer the following prompt below. Then, take notes on
Transcendentalism during class.
Which quote did you choose and why? How does it align with your ideas
about life?
Plato - I think living a life unexamined is worthwhile because i will live once and
what is the point of do nothing
Transcendentalism Notes
Follow along during class and take notes below.
To understand Transcendentalism, you must understand two things:
✢ The Age of Enlightenment (early 1800s):
Focused on reason, science, and intellectual understanding.
✢ Romanticism (early to mid 1800s):
Rejected the cold rationality of the Age of Enlightenment.
Focused on emotions, intuition, and the beauty of nature.
What is Transcendentalism?
● The age of enlightenment
● Romanticism - reject the age of enlightenment
● Higher spiritual level or value
● The idea is that in determining the ultimate reality of god, the universe, one must
transcend or go beyond
Basic Premise 1
● The individual is the spiritual center of the universe.
Basic Premise 2
● The structure inversive literally duplexes the structure of an indiuvual
Basic Premise 3Transcendentalistss accept the concept of nature as a living being
Basic Premise 4
● TThebelief individual virtue and happiness depend upon a self-realization
Personal Reflection
1. Which of the basic premises of Transcendentalism resonates with how you live
your life?
idea that nature is a living being because I often feel connected to nature and find
peace when I’m surrounded by it.
2. Do you disagree with any of them, or do you think that any of these ideas are too
extreme? Why or why not?
I agree with most ideas, but the notion that the universe duplicates the structure of an
individual seems abstract and hard to apply in daily life.
Are you a Transcendentalist?
Part 1:
Answer the following questions based on the basic premises of Transcendentalism.
● How are you affected by nature? Do you find comfort in it? Do you reflect the
moods of nature?
I think I find peace when i am around nature
● What is the role of nature in your life?
It’s where I feel most connected to myself.
● What is meant by an individual's spiritual side? How do you define it?
It’s about understanding oneself and one’s place in the universe.
● Is there a connection between the individual's spirit and nature? If so, what is
that connection?
Yes, I believe nature reflects the state of our spirit. Being in nature can
calm the mind and help us feel more in tune with ourselves.
● What does it mean to know something intuitively? For example, has a parent or
sibling ever known something was wrong with you without talking or seeing
you? What do we mean when we say "I just know it"?
Intuition is understanding something without needing logical proof. It’s a feeling
or sense that’s hard to explain but feels true.
● How do you demonstrate that you are an individual? Do you think independently
of others or do you follow the crowd?
I try to think independently and make choices that align with my values,
even if they’re different from what others do.
Part 2:
● Based on your answers above, would you consider yourself to be a
Transcendentalist? Why or why not?
I share some transcendentalism values, like finding peace in nature and
valuing individuality
● What questions do you have about Transcendentalism so far?
Nothing
Ralph Waldo Emerson’s “Nature”
1. After reading the excerpt above from “Nature” by Ralph Waldo
Emerson, what can you infer about the Transcendentalist movement?
The movement emphasizes the connection between humans
and nature
2. What can you infer about Emerson and his beliefs?
Emerson believed deeply in the spiritual significance
3. What do you think is meant by the “transparent eyeball” that
Emerson mentions?
symbolizes becoming one with nature, seeing everything
clearly without personal bias
