What are the transcendentalists opinions of human nature? How do they feel about the Individual?Try to list three things. Describe how they felt about intellectualism. Describe how they felt about religion and spirituality.

Transcendentalists held a deeply optimistic view of human nature, believing in its inherent goodness and potential for divinity. They emphasized the importance of intuition and conscience as guides to truth and morality. Here's a breakdown of their views:<br /><br />**Regarding Human Nature:**<br /><br />1. **Innate Goodness:** Transcendentalists believed that humans are inherently good, born with a divine spark within them. They saw society and its institutions as corrupting influences that could stifle this innate goodness.<br />2. **Self-Reliance:** They stressed the importance of individual self-reliance and independence of thought. They believed that individuals should trust their own intuition and conscience rather than blindly following societal norms or external authorities.<br />3. **Connection to Nature:** Transcendentalists saw nature as a source of inspiration and spiritual renewal. They believed that spending time in nature could help individuals connect with their inner selves and the divine.<br /><br />**The Individual:**<br /><br />Transcendentalists placed immense value on the individual and their unique potential. They championed:<br /><br />1. **Individuality:** They celebrated the inherent worth and uniqueness of each individual, encouraging nonconformity and the pursuit of one's own path.<br />2. **Intuition over Reason:** They prioritized intuition and personal experience over pure logic and reason as pathways to truth and self-discovery.<br />3. **Freedom and Self-Expression:** They advocated for individual freedom and self-expression, believing that individuals should be free to develop their own beliefs and live authentically.<br /><br />**Intellectualism:**<br /><br />Transcendentalists valued intellectualism, but not in the traditional academic sense. They believed in:<br /><br />* **Intuitive Understanding:** They emphasized intuitive understanding and direct experience over rote memorization and abstract intellectual pursuits. They saw intellectualism as a tool for self-discovery and spiritual growth, not simply the accumulation of knowledge.<br /><br />**Religion and Spirituality:**<br /><br />Transcendentalists had a complex relationship with organized religion. They:<br /><br />* **Questioned Traditional Dogma:** They questioned traditional religious doctrines and emphasized a direct, personal relationship with the divine. They often rejected organized religion as overly formal and restrictive.<br />* **Embraced Spirituality:** They embraced a deeply spiritual worldview, seeing God as immanent in nature and within each individual. Their spirituality was often characterized by a sense of wonder and reverence for the natural world.<br />* **Universalism:** Many transcendentalists leaned towards Universalism, a belief that all people will ultimately be saved and reunited with God. This reflected their optimistic view of human nature and the inherent goodness within everyone.<br />