Transcendentalism, Pragmatism, and Social Reform in 19th Century American Thought

Transcendentalism

Trusting the self and intuition over external authority; belief that truth comes from within, not tradition or institutions.

Conformist

The opposite of a Transcendentalist; a person ruled by society's opinions.

Double Consciousness

Lives both in the material world and in a higher, spiritual realm—awareness of the everyday and the eternal.

Genius

Trusting one's own inner voice and insights, even when unpopular.

Society as a Conspiracy

Society pressures people to conform and suppress individuality, weakening 'manhood.'

Conformity

External pressure to fit in.

Consistency

Internal pressure to always agree with your past self.

Living up to Our Own Standards

We must follow our authentic inner law, not others' standards.

Goal of Art

Creation (original insight), not imitation.

Abridgment & Selection

Art distills reality into essential truth; creativity is choosing what matters.

Art & Beauty

Art teaches people to perceive beauty, cultivating the soul.

Nature

Makes human things small → humbles pride.

Medicinal Nature

Heals the spirit.

Balance of Energy

Combination of motion & rest → balance of energy (motion) and stillness (peace).

World is Mind Precipitated

The external world is a projection/manifestation of human thought.

Critique of New England Life

People live lives of 'quiet desperation,' trapped by work, money, materialism.

Problem with Technology

Serves as distraction; people serve their tools rather than tools serving people.

Focus on Walden

Small, humble place, but symbolic experiment in simplicity and authenticity.

Problem with Flint

A greedy, exploitative man; pond shouldn't be named after such materialism.

Development of 'Woman' for Human Progress

Women must develop fully as humans for society as a whole to progress.

Celibacy

Offers independence, freedom, and self-mastery; alternative to restrictive marriage.

Fluidity of Gender

Masculine side of woman: Minerva (wisdom/strength); Feminine side of man: Apollo (beauty/art).

Social Change

Starts with individuals, not institutions.

Unequal Expectations in Sex

Men's freedom is excused, women's purity is policed—double standard.

Anarchism

A philosophy that rejects all forms of coercive authority, aiming for a society of voluntary cooperation and freedom.

Three Bad Influences

Religion (controls mind through fear), Property (creates inequality), Government (enforces oppression).

Critique of Women's Suffrage

Voting won't change root problems (capitalism, patriarchy).

Real Emancipation

Women's freedom of self-expression, autonomy, control over body and labor, not just formal political rights.

Doubt

A state of mental discomfort, uncertainty.

Belief

A settled habit of thought that guides action.

Four Methods of Fixing Belief

Tenacity, Authority, A priori, Science.

Pragmatic Maxim

The meaning of an idea is in its practical effects and consequences.

Purpose of Pragmatism

To resolve disputes by looking at practical consequences, not abstract definitions.

Truth

Not a copy of reality, but what works in practice and proves useful.

Pessimism as Religious Disease

A loss of faith in meaning, paralyzing action.

Steps in Dealing with Life's Value

Negative step - acknowledge despair honestly; Positive step - choose faith in meaning and possibility.