A movement of people who, before the civil war, made it their goal to spawn a body of literature that was wholly American and unique from anything the likes of which Europe had seen. Writers of the movement focused on spirituality, romanticism and intuition rather than clear-cut common sense. Transcendentalist literature was also typically very involved in the abolitionist and women's-rights movements.
Some authors who were part of the movement of transcendentalism include Ralph Waldo Emerson, Henry David Thoreau, Thomas Wentworth Higginson, Emily Dickinson, Theodore Parker, Margaret Fuller, and Harriet Martineau.
by Sithstress April 29, 2010
A concept that was the base of the Transcendental Movement of the 1830s. Represents an idealistic thought system that focused on the spirit and felt it more important than mere matter. Follwers believed in a supreme being, the Oversoul, which was all powerful and good. Transcendentalism generally supported modern reforms in order to attain a general cooperation and understanding among all.
Ralph Waldo Emerson, a well-known Transcendentalist, showed his affinity with Transcendentalism as he related to the concepts of spirit over matter.
by Laera December 31, 2004
The belief or philosophy that if you become the best version of yourself or complete a divine mission, (esp. advancing humanity spiritually / intellectually / technologically to become a type 5 + civilization, on The Kardashev Scale), you can apotheosize (ascend to godhood / your higher-self), in the highest plane of existence, beyond the confines of the physical one, during the afterlife.
'Those who follow transcendentalism, believe that in order to be physically closer to the gods and live in their realm for eternity, we must advance our technology / clock The Kardashev Scale.'
by Diana_Lucius_De_Collis March 18, 2023
Ralph Waldo Emerson formed the group of Transcendentalism, which believed one could unlock life's secrets without the use of groups or society.
by mindfault May 27, 2009
A philosophy developed after the civil war by a collection of American writers. Transcendentalists believe in a supernatural force called " The Over Soul" which all energy originates from, and eventually returns to. An example of Transcendentalist thought is expanding the mind through connectivity to nature; meaning to accept nature as a part of the universal energy, and also accepting that what might be thought of as the "unnatural" ( or in direct opposition to nature) in fact comes from that same energy. Do not consider this a religion, but merely a perspective on life meant to expand the mind and question the mysteries of our existence.
by Mind91 July 15, 2010
in search for something that you do not have. refers more to freedom and getting controll of your life instead of being governed by others.
by Alex December 11, 2003
The silliest word i have ever had to research.
Effectivley... it is a philosophy instead of a religion and relies on intuition and feeling instead of literature and teachings, there is no god, no guidance, just people doing what they think is right...
Effectivley... it is a philosophy instead of a religion and relies on intuition and feeling instead of literature and teachings, there is no god, no guidance, just people doing what they think is right...
by klfnvknf September 12, 2006