TRANSCENDENTALISM

Let’s all be one with nature for a few classes!

What does that mean?

How was your nature walk?

Where did you go?

What did you discover?

How did you feel?WHY?

Ralph Waldo Emerson

Wrote landmark essay, “Nature,” in 1836, expressing philosophy of transcendentalism

Gave a speech, based on “Nature,” which has been referred to as America’s “Intellectual Declaration of Independence”

Precepts of TranscendentalismGod’s presence in humans makes them divineThere is unity in varietyMan can perceive the divine in natureCelebration of individualismFaith in inherent goodness Belief that progress is inevitableBelief in self-relianceHuman intuition is more important than outside authority.

In incredibly on-task groups of 5:

On your own, read “Nature”

Underline any lines that YOU agree with, like, are intrigued with, et cetera.

In groups, review each paragraph (or major section) and paraphrase main points in margins- BIG Picture!

When completed: discuss yellow ½ sheet questions and annotate findings directly on your packet.

“Nature” by Ralph Waldo Emerson

What can you tell me about Transcendentalism?

Found Poem

Title

Typed

(do not use “quotation marks”)

Stanza form

Blend of your words and Emerson’s to come up with a poem about nature

EXTRA CREDIT TO DECORATE!

Homework:

• Read “Self Reliance” by Emerson

Interact with the text: mark it up, ask questions, etc.

Be patient; the language is tricky but you can understand it if you slow down and take your time.

Found Poem plus possible 5pts ec

Anti-transcendentalist?

Would you call Hawthorne an anti-transcendentalist?Anti-transcendentalists:

Saw existence/spirituality as struggle between good and evilMore pessimistic than TranscendentalistsThought nature was too vast and incomprehensibleThought Transcendentalism selfish and impracticalFeared that, without external constraints, people would only be motivated to fulfill immediate needs for sensory gratification (scandalous!!)

“Success” by Emerson

To laugh often and love much;

To win the respect of intelligent people and affection of children,

To earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends;

To appreciate beauty, to find the best in others;

To leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch, or a redeemed social

condition;

To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived.

This is to have succeeded.

Precepts of Transcendentalism

God is all-loving; the divine’s presence in humans makes them divine and assures their salvation. Humans are inherently good. Body, soul, and nature are connected, not separate. Human intuition is as valuable as the “5” senses. A balance between unity and variety is importantHumans can access the divine through the natural world. Individuality is celebrated. Humans need to be self-reliant. If humans live according to transcendental ideals, progress is inevitable.