Transcen

dentalis

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By Carson Tucker, Daniel Roberts, and Robert Dahl

Who were the the most prominent Transcendentalists?

Ralph Waldo Emerson1803-1882New England

Henry David Thoreau1817-1862Concord, Massachusetts

What is their view of God? God can be found in all forms of

nature.Main focus was on GodLived in woods to find the main purpose of

life through God in nature

Not part of a church Didn’t focus on Jesus or the prophets

They find all truth in God

What are their values? They valued their work

“If we do not get out sleepers, and forge rails and devote days and nights to the work, but go to tinkering upon our lives to improve them, who will build railroads?”

Believed in earning entrance into heaven through one’s works.“And if railroads are not built, how shall we

get to heaven in season?”

How do they define truth? Truth can be found in anything that

exists eternallyThey don’t have faith in what is changing.

Do they have an optimistic or pessimistic view of life?

Optimistic

They believe that you should wake up every morning and renew yourself.“Renew thyself each day; do it again, and

again, and forever again.”

What are their views of work and worldly success?

They believe that work is a very important part of life, and take it very seriously.It is imperative that they work hard because

they felt they had to earn their salvation.

What is their view of society?

If the society obstructs their goal of transcendence, they felt no need to be part of it.Transcendence- exceeding the normal

limits

Who is their authority? The ultimate authority is God, since

God exists eternally, and is unchangingAny man who has achieved transcendence

would also be an authority to look to for guidance.

What is their view of education?

Similar to their view of societyThey accept the education if it teaches the

transcendentalist view and Absolute truth, otherwise they neglect the teachings.

American Dream according to the Transcendentalists

They believe that hard work and dedication to acquire the essentials always takes higher priority to your wants and desires.

How have they affected the American Dream?

They have affected the notion of the American Dream by encouraging people to work hard, and persuade people to accept their views.