Transcendentalism was a philosophical and literary movement that began in the United States in the early 19th century. At its core, it was a reaction against the religious and political restrictions of the time, advocating for greater spiritual and personal freedom. It is rooted in Eastern philosophy and literature, emphasizing individualism, self-reliance, intuition, nature appreciation, and an exploration of one’s own inner world.The development of Transcendentalism can be traced to figures such as Ralph Waldo Emerson, Henry David Thoreau, Margaret Fuller and Bronson Alcott. These individuals sought to break away from traditional forms of thought and sought to express their own unique perspectives on life through writing essays or poetry often reflecting on spirituality or natural surroundings. They wrote about topics such as nature’s beauty; human potential through meditation; idealistic love; the power of imagination; moral self-improvement; living with simplicity; finding divine inspiration in daily life experiences; free will & independence from external authority figures & institutions. Though some aspects of Transcendentalism may seem outdated today, there are many ways its core beliefs are still relevant today. For example, striving for spiritual growth so that one can live authentically according to their own values is still important for many people today. Additionally, appreciating nature as a source of peace or comfort has become even more important now as our lives become increasingly digitalized and connected online finding solace outside can be a vital part of mental health maintenance today just as it was centuries ago when Transcendentalism emerged. Finally while seeking inspiration within oneself may have been revolutionary then now this idea has become much more commonplace with concepts like mindfulness becoming mainstream over recent decades. In conclusion while Transcendentalist ideas may have been revolutionary when they first appeared centuries ago they remain relevant today due to their emphasis on individual freedom & self-expression combined with respect for nature & inner spirituality – all concepts which continue to remain important components within our modern society.
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