Transcendentalism Test Review

Flashcards covering key concepts, authors, and principles of Transcendentalism for exam preparation.

Self-Reliance

A principle urging individuals to maintain individuality and not blindly follow societal rules.

Ralph Waldo Emerson

The author of "Self-Reliance" and considered the father of transcendentalism.

Henry David Thoreau

The author of "Walden" and "Civil Disobedience".

Civil Disobedience

A work by Thoreau advocating for following one's own conscience over governmental laws.

Transcendentalism

A philosophical movement emphasizing individual intuition and the inherent goodness of people and nature.

Genius (according to Emerson)

The belief that what is true for oneself is true for all.

Simplify life

Thoreau's approach to dealing with life’s complexities by extracting essential facts.

Marrow of life (Thoreau's concept)

The essential truths and facts of life that one seeks to understand.

Walden Pond

The place where Thoreau lived simply for two years to connect with nature.

Goodness of man & nature

A foundational principle of transcendentalism that emphasizes positive views of humanity and the natural world.

Non-conformity

A principle of transcendentalism promoting resistance to societal pressures and norms.

Trust yourself

Emerson's main point in "Self-Reliance", emphasizing self-trust and individuality.

Poll tax (Thoreau's refusal)

The tax Thoreau refused to pay due to his opposition to the Mexican-American War.

Government that governs best

According to Thoreau, the government that governs least.

Thoreau's motivation to leave Walden

To live other lives and fulfill further experiences beyond his experiment in simplicity.