Relationship between Transcendentalism and Individualism - Coursework Example

Transcendentalism is a philosophical movement that advocated for a return to a simple life. It developed as a reaction to the perceived evils of organized religion which many believers of this movement sincerely thought to corrupt the individual with its teachings. The transcendental movement was actually a protest during the 1820s to 1830s against the evils of society (represented by political parties and organized religious groups) which remove from an individual his inherent goodness through twisted dogma and wrong ideas or thoughts.

As such, transcendentalism wanted people to be self-reliant and to be individualistic. People do not need an organized society and its various institutions because the self-sufficient person is better off being alone and from this select group of individuals who believe in self-reliance can a true community of men be formed. It is an ideal achievable only if all people try to be self-reliant and form their own minds about matters that affect them the most. This philosophical and cultural movement of transcendentalism has its drawbacks, however.

An individualistic attitude can harm society because if all people will become self-reliant, there is no need for a democratic government (Newfield 17). Organized society will cease to exist, including all forms of governance which any civilized society needs for a group of people to survive and live peacefully. Transcendentalism can have an adverse effect as people will strive for personal independence regardless of the needs of society, including compliance with social rules and governmental regulations Read More