Transcendentalism Quiz

What is the main belief of transcendentalism?

• Individuals are greater than institutions

• Logic is necessary for understanding

• Churches are the only path to truth

• Nature has no significance

Answer explanation

Transcendentalism is a philosophical movement that emphasizes the inherent goodness of individuals and self-reliance, over institutionalized or societal norms. It suggests that individuals are greater than institutions, which is the correct answer to the question. The other options do not accurately represent the main belief of transcendentalism.

According to transcendentalists, how can basic truths be found?

• Through intuition

• Through logic

• Through education

• Through religious institutions

Answer explanation

Transcendentalists believe that basic truths can be found through intuition, not through logic, education, or religious institutions. They argue that individuals can understand the world around them and discover truth by relying on their own intuition and personal experiences.

What did transcendentalists believe about individual relationships with God?

• They were unnecessary

• They were inferior to institutional relationships

• They were the best form of connection

• They were irrelevant

Answer explanation

Transcendentalists believed that individual relationships with God were the best form of connection. They emphasized personal spiritual experiences and intuition over organized religion and dogma. This belief in the importance of individual connections with the divine was a central tenet of their philosophy.

What did transcendentalists believe about nature?

• It had no significance

• It was the source of all evil

• It was the key to self-knowledge

• It should be avoided

Answer explanation

Transcendentalists believed that nature was the key to self-knowledge. They saw nature as a source of inspiration, spiritual growth, and a means to connect with the divine. By immersing themselves in nature, they believed individuals could gain a deeper understanding of themselves and the world around them, ultimately leading to personal growth and enlightenment.

What is the oversoul according to transcendentalists?

• The combination of every god from every religion

• The belief in multiple gods

• The rejection of all religious beliefs

• The absence of any higher power

Answer explanation

The Oversoul, according to transcendentalists, is the concept of a universal spirit that encompasses all individual souls and unites them with the divine. It is not the belief in multiple gods, the rejection of all religious beliefs, or the absence of any higher power. Instead, it represents the combination of every god from every religion, emphasizing the interconnectedness and unity of all beings.

Who is considered the founder of transcendentalism?

• Ralph Waldo Emerson

• Henry David Thoreau

• Margaret Fuller

• John Locke

Answer explanation

Ralph Waldo Emerson is considered the founder of transcendentalism, a philosophical movement that emerged in the 19th century. Although other prominent figures like Henry David Thoreau and Margaret Fuller contributed to the movement, Emerson's writings and ideas laid the foundation for transcendentalist thought. John Locke, on the other hand, was an influential philosopher but not associated with transcendentalism.

Which work is Ralph Waldo Emerson most famous for?

• Nature

• Walden

• Woman in the 19th Century

• The Dial

Answer explanation

Ralph Waldo Emerson is most famous for his work 'Nature.' Published in 1836, 'Nature' is considered the foundation of American Transcendentalism, a philosophical movement that emphasized the importance of nature and individualism. While Emerson was involved in other works like 'The Dial,' 'Nature' remains his most well-known and influential piece.

What did Henry David Thoreau write about in Walden?

• Natural history and philosophy

• Religious institutions

• Civil disobedience

• Feminism

Answer explanation

In Walden, Henry David Thoreau wrote about natural history and philosophy. The book is a reflection on simple living in natural surroundings, where Thoreau shares his experiences and observations while living in a cabin near Walden Pond. It is not focused on religious institutions, civil disobedience, or feminism.

Who was the lone female member of the transcendentalist club?

• Margaret Fuller

• Ralph Waldo Emerson

• Henry David Thoreau

• John Locke

Answer explanation

The question asks about the only female member of the transcendentalist club. Among the given options, Margaret Fuller is the correct choice. She was a prominent figure in the transcendentalist movement and the only woman to be part of this club. The other options, Ralph Waldo Emerson, Henry David Thoreau, and John Locke, were all male figures, making them incorrect choices.

What was Margaret Fuller's major feminist work?

• Woman in the 19th Century

• Nature

• Walden

• The Dial

Answer explanation

The major feminist work of Margaret Fuller is 'Woman in the 19th Century'. This work is considered one of the first major feminist works in the United States. The other options, 'Nature', 'Walden', and 'The Dial', are not related to Fuller's feminist work.