Intro to Transcendentalism - English 3 for Teens!

Summary

In this video, the presenter introduces Transcendentalism, a 19th-century American philosophical movement that evolved from Romanticism. The focus is on individualism, spirituality, and the inherent goodness of mankind, with key figures like Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau leading the way. The video explains the philosophical differences between Romanticism and Transcendentalism, highlights important Transcendentalists, and discusses Emerson’s work 'Self-Reliance.' The presenter draws parallels to modern life and playfully reflects on non-conformity while contemplating adding cayenne pepper to chocolate chip cookies.

Takeaways

• 🍪 The speaker is baking chocolate chip cookies and contemplating adding cayenne pepper for a unique twist.
• 📖 The main topic of the video is Transcendentalism, a philosophical movement that grew out of Romanticism in the 19th century.
• 🧠 Transcendentalists emphasized spirituality, individualism, and the rejection of materialism, believing that mankind is inherently good.
• 🌿 Nature was seen by Transcendentalists as a divine presence, providing spiritual connection.
• 👥 Key figures of Transcendentalism include Ralph Waldo Emerson, Henry David Thoreau, Margaret Fuller, and Amos Bronson Alcott.
• 📜 Emerson's essay 'Self-Reliance' is a foundational work of Transcendentalist philosophy, promoting individualism and non-conformity.
• 🌎 Transcendentalism teaches that there is a spiritual realm that transcends the material world, aligning with Plato's idea of ideal forms.
• ✍️ The speaker mentions assignments involving critical thinking and comparing different viewpoints on Emerson's ideas.
• 🎓 Emerson, after studying at Harvard, founded the Transcendental Club and became the movement's leading figure through his essays and lectures.
• 🔥 The speaker concludes with a light-hearted comment about non-conformity by deciding to add cayenne pepper to their cookies, tying it to the Transcendentalist philosophy.

Q & A

What is the main topic of the video?

The main topic of the video is Transcendentalism, a philosophical and literary movement that emerged in 19th-century America. The video explores its origins, key figures, and how it compares to Romanticism.

How does Transcendentalism differ from Romanticism?

While both movements value nature, Transcendentalists believe in a divine presence in all living things, seeing nature as a spiritual connection. Additionally, while some Romantics saw the darker side of humanity, Transcendentalists believed in the inherent goodness of mankind and advocated for rejecting conformity and following one’s inner intuition.

Who is considered the most important figure in the Transcendentalist movement?

Ralph Waldo Emerson is considered the most important figure in the Transcendentalist movement. He articulated the core tenets of Transcendentalism through his essays, poetry, and lectures, particularly in his works 'Self-Reliance' and 'Nature.'

What did Transcendentalists believe about the relationship between individuals and God?

Transcendentalists believed that each individual could develop a direct relationship with God without the need for intermediaries or institutions. They saw the divine spirit as permeating all living things.

What is the significance of Plato's allegory of the cave in relation to Transcendentalist beliefs?

Plato's allegory of the cave, which suggests that physical reality is a reflection of perfect spiritual ideals, aligns with Transcendentalist beliefs. Transcendentalists believed that the material world was a mere reflection of higher, intangible ideals like beauty, truth, and spirituality, which could only be perceived by transcending physical reality.

Who were some key figures in the Transcendentalist movement aside from Emerson?

Key figures in the Transcendentalist movement include Henry David Thoreau, Amos Bronson Alcott, Margaret Fuller, Elizabeth Palmer Peabody, and Walt Whitman. Each contributed in various ways, from activism and education to poetry and philosophy.

What are some social causes that Ralph Waldo Emerson supported?

Ralph Waldo Emerson supported social causes such as women's rights, the treatment of Native Americans, and the abolition of slavery. He hoped that society would progress through the inherent goodness of individuals.

What is the weekly assignment related to Emerson's 'Self-Reliance' in the video?

The weekly assignment includes reading excerpts from Emerson's 'Self-Reliance' and writing competing points of view paragraphs. Students are expected to write one paragraph supporting Emerson's ideas and another paragraph arguing against them.

How did Transcendentalism view materialism?

Transcendentalists rejected materialism, focusing instead on spirituality and the belief that intangible ideals like beauty, truth, and a direct connection with the divine were of greater importance than material wealth or consumerism.

What does the speaker contemplate doing with her chocolate chip cookies, and how does she relate it to Transcendentalism?

The speaker contemplates adding cayenne pepper to her chocolate chip cookies, an unconventional twist not in the recipe. She relates this decision to Transcendentalism by embracing non-conformity, trusting her instincts, and breaking with tradition, much like the Transcendentalist belief in following one's inner voice.