1. European Romanticism: The movement drew heavily from European Romantic thought, particularly the ideas of German philosophers like Immanuel Kant and Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. These thinkers emphasized intuition, emotion, and the individual's relationship with nature.
2. Unitarianism: Many early Transcendentalists were Unitarian ministers. Unitarianism, a liberal offshoot of Christianity, focused on the inherent goodness of humanity and the importance of individual reason and conscience.
3. American Renaissance: The movement arose alongside a flourishing of American literature and culture known as the American Renaissance. This period saw the emergence of writers like Ralph Waldo Emerson, Henry David Thoreau, and Nathaniel Hawthorne, who explored themes of individualism, nature, and the search for spiritual truth.
4. Social Reform: Transcendentalists were deeply concerned with social issues of their time, such as slavery, women's rights, and prison reform. They believed in the power of individual action to bring about positive change.
5. The Dial Magazine: In 1840, the Transcendentalists launched their own journal, "The Dial," which served as a platform for their ideas and writings.
The Spark:
While these influences provided the foundation, a pivotal moment in the development of Transcendentalism was Emerson's 1837 address, "The American Scholar." This speech, delivered at Harvard University, articulated the key tenets of the movement, calling for a uniquely American intellectual and cultural identity based on self-reliance, intuition, and the direct experience of nature.
From there, Transcendentalism blossomed:
* Emerson's writings: Emerson's essays, such as "Nature" and "Self-Reliance," became foundational texts of the movement, advocating for a focus on individual intuition and the power of the human spirit.
* Thoreau's Walden: Thoreau's book, "Walden," chronicled his two years living in a cabin in the woods, demonstrating the importance of simplicity, self-sufficiency, and living in harmony with nature.
* The Brook Farm: In 1841, a group of Transcendentalists founded the Brook Farm, a utopian community based on communal living and cooperative labor. Though short-lived, it represented their commitment to social reform and the creation of a more just society.
Legacy:
While Transcendentalism as a formal movement faded by the mid-19th century, its ideas continued to influence American thought and culture. The emphasis on individualism, the power of intuition, the importance of nature, and the pursuit of social justice are still resonating themes in contemporary American society.