10 Questions
What was the basis for man's comprehension of the world according to the young men in the 1830s training for the liberal Christian ministry?
Internal, spiritual principles
What is the significance of Emerson's lecture 'Self-Reliance' in relation to American Transcendentalism?
It emphasized the importance of being misunderstood to achieve greatness
What did Thoreau advocate in his famous advice to 'Simplify! Simplify!'?
A simple and uncomplicated lifestyle
What is the common association made by most Americans when they think of American Transcendentalism?
Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau
What did Ralph Waldo Emerson term the spiritual principle celebrated by Transcendentalism?
The Oversoul
What did Elizabeth Peabody pioneer in the United States?
Kindergarten movement
Who attempted to break down the barriers between intellectuals and laborers through a utopian experiment in communal living?
George Ripley
What did Orestes Brownson dedicate his life to improving?
Conditions of the working class
Which Transcendentalist anticipated Karl Marx's statements on the likelihood of class warfare between laborer and owner?
Orestes Brownson
What educational experiment for elementary-age children did Bronson Alcott begin?
Temple School
Study Notes
American Transcendentalism
- The young men in the 1830s training for the liberal Christian ministry based their comprehension of the world on reason, intuition, and emotions.
Ralph Waldo Emerson's 'Self-Reliance'
- Emerson's lecture 'Self-Reliance' is significant to American Transcendentalism as it emphasizes individualism, nonconformity, and trusting one's own instincts.
Henry David Thoreau's Philosophy
- Thoreau's famous advice to 'Simplify! Simplify!' advocates for a simple and self-sufficient life, free from materialism and societal expectations.
Public Perception of American Transcendentalism
- Most Americans associate American Transcendentalism with a focus on individualism, spirituality, and a connection with nature.
Emerson's Concept of the 'Oversoul'
- Emerson termed the spiritual principle celebrated by Transcendentalism as the 'Oversoul', a universal, divine essence that unites all humanity.
Elizabeth Peabody's Contribution
- Elizabeth Peabody pioneered kindergarten education in the United States.
Brook Farm Experiment
- George Ripley attempted to break down the barriers between intellectuals and laborers through a utopian experiment in communal living at Brook Farm.
Orestes Brownson's Life Work
- Orestes Brownson dedicated his life to improving the lives of the working class.
Class Warfare Anticipation
- Orestes Brownson anticipated Karl Marx's statements on the likelihood of class warfare between laborer and owner.
Bronson Alcott's Educational Experiment
- Bronson Alcott began an educational experiment for elementary-age children focused on student-centered learning and individualized attention.
Test your knowledge of American Transcendentalism, focusing on the influential writers Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau. Explore their key works and ideas, including Emerson's 'American Scholar' address and 'Self-Reliance', as well as Thoreau's experiment in self-sufficiency at Walden Pond.
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