Understanding Transcendentalism: History, Beliefs, and Key Figures

Transcendentalism: An Overview

Transcendentalism emerged as a significant religious, philosophical, and literary movement in New England during the 1830s, reaching its peak in the 1840s and 1850s. Although key figures like Ralph Waldo Emerson and Amos Bronson Alcott lived well into the 1880s, the movement's initial energy declined around 1860.

Transcendentalism encompassed complex and often mystical ideas that defied easy categorization. Even within the movement, there were significant differences in focus and interpretation among its adherents.

Defining Transcendentalism

Henry David Thoreau, a prominent Transcendentalist, highlighted the difficulty of defining the movement in his journal entry on March 5, 1853. He noted that Transcendentalism remained elusive and resistant to simple definitions, both in his time and in ours.

The Transcendentalists were not a formally organized group with a rigid doctrine. Instead, they were independent individuals who shared a set of core beliefs about humanity's place in the universe.

Centers of Transcendentalism

Concord, Massachusetts

Transcendentalism thrived in the intellectual hubs of Boston and Cambridge, Massachusetts. Ralph Waldo Emerson's presence in Concord, where he moved in 1834 and later purchased a home on the Cambridge Turnpike in 1835, significantly contributed to the movement's growth.

Emerson's Influence

Emerson's essay "Nature," published anonymously in 1836, provided a systematic outline of Transcendentalist principles. Drawing inspiration from ancient philosophies like Plato's, the essay presented ideas that challenged established religious views. Emerson further explored Transcendentalist themes in essays like "The American Scholar" (1837) and "Self-Reliance" (1841).

Brook Farm: A Transcendentalist Experiment

Brook Farm, established in 1841 by George and Sophia Ripley, aimed to create a harmonious balance between intellectual and manual labor. The community, which operated until 1847, embraced the principles of social reformer Charles Fourier for a period. Life at Brook Farm was a blend of work and leisure, encompassing farming and other essential tasks alongside dramatic performances, social gatherings, intellectual pursuits, and recreational activities.