Beliefs of Transcendentalism
- Individualism - Individualism is one of the major themes of Transcendentalism. Transcendentalists believe that organization and religion corrupted the chance of letting people to gain the ability of self reliance. Due to the hierarchy system that has been established in different institutions, it is our nature to listen and obey any orders instructed by our superior without questioning them. Yet, because of these systems we started to become conformists and loses the ability to freely express one's idea and thoughts.
- Self Reliance- This idea strongly bonds with Individualism. Due to the fact that we stopped questioning orders, we started to rely on others in order to survive. This idea is also strongly demonstrated in Walden, in which Thoreau stated that everyone living in the society are started to rely on the tools they use and are becoming their slaves, and once we lose these things we do not have the capability to live on our own. We as humans are relying on others more and more frequently, first is the strength of others than is the thoughts of others. If these things continues, the world would turn into a society with a united and single perspective.
- Simplicity- The number one rule of Transcendentalism is simplicity, in which Transcendentalists aim for the most simplistic concepts rather than complexity. This idea is also revealed in most transcendental work, whether it is the language being used, the structure of each poem or simply the ideas being conveyed.
- The eternal one and Universal Soul- This is one of the main reason why Transcendentalists believe that every gender or race should be treated equally, because every mankind has a unique and special universe contain within their soul and that everyone has a unique relationship with the world.
- Nature- Transcendentalists believe that as long as one stay in contact with nature, than they would no need to travel abroad to gain knowledge of the world.
- Idealism- Transcendentalists encourage people to be optimistic about anything they face, even when it is a dilemma. By showing a positive attitude toward life, one could easily transcend the difficulties they face.
- Enjoy the Present- Although most religions believe that one should behave and should not be enjoying the present so that during their afterlife, they could go to heaven instead of hell. However Transcendentalists believe that one should not think of the consequences they may receive in their afterlife, instead they should enjoy the present.
- Nonconformists- Transcendentalists encourage people to question orders given by others and should not generally accept any forms of patters, thoughts or actions. By doing so, we could ensure a diverse community with a variety of perspectives and opinions.
- Intuitive Thought- Intuition is defined as knowing something as an instinct and not through rational thinking. Transcendentalists believe that it is the fundamental form of knowledge and any other factual things that are learned are only second hand knowledge that should not be trusted over your instincts.
- Imagination- Transcendentalists believe that imagination has the capability to allow one's mind to become resourceful and does not get restrained or limited by rational thinking or knowledge other than intuition.
