Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
transcendentalism
Noun
/trænˌsɛnˈdɛn.təl.ɪ.zəm/
Definition
Transcendentalism is a philosophical and literary movement that emerged in the early 19th century in America, emphasizing the inherent goodness of people and nature.
Examples
- Transcendentalism played a significant role in shaping American literature and philosophy.
- Writers like Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau were key figures in the transcendentalist movement.
- The idea of finding truth through personal experience is central to transcendentalism.
Meaning
It advocates for self-reliance, spirituality, and the belief that individuals can connect with the divine through nature.
Synonyms
- Idealism
- Romanticism
- Philosophical optimism
