The Transcendental Movement

When people do not agree with society they can create a counterculture. A counterculture is a subculture that opposes mainstream ideas and values. Transcendentalism was a counterculture from the early 19th century that went against social norms of that time. The Beat movement was also a counterculture that had many similar aspects to Transcendentalism because they both disagreed with their societies. The Beat movement was started in the 1940’s and was made famous by the many authors and poets that developed the movement with their writing. Although the beat movement was very important for literature because it gave a new point of view on life, Transcendentalism was a more powerful movement because it also focused on equality for women and slaves.

In Song of Myself by Walt Whitman he says, “I celebrate myself, and sing myself, And what I assume you shall assume, For every atom belonging to me as good belongs to you.” Because the followers of this movement consisted of writers, the beliefs of this movement were expressed through writing. Transcendentalism did not only value self-reflection and self-reliance, but also focused on giving rights to women and slaves. in Margaret Fuller’s Woman in the 19th Century she says,“can we wonder that many reformers think that measures are not likely to be taken in behalf of women, unless their wishes could be publicly represented by women….” She wanted women to be put in positions of power to be considered equal to men.

The Beat movement from the 1950’s was also an important movement that created a new perspective during this time. Although the beat movement was powerful, Transcendentalism was a more powerful movement because they wanted to reach a larger audience and help create change.

Transcendentalism was a very powerful counterculture that impacted many people. In a time where the ideas of society were very restrictive and oppressive, transcendentalism became a new way of thinking and expressing your