What was the main idea of transcendentalism?

Transcendentalism was a philosophical and literary movement that emerged in the early 19th century, primarily in New England. It emphasized the inherent goodness of people and nature, advocating for individual intuition and spirituality over established religious and societal norms. Transcendentalists believed that true understanding and knowledge could be gained through personal experience and connection with the natural world, promoting self-reliance and nonconformity. Key figures included Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau, who challenged conventional thought and encouraged a deeper exploration of one’s inner self.