Sentimentalism is a literary and philosophical movement that emphasizes emotion and individual experience over rationalism. It emerged in the 18th century, particularly in Europe, as a reaction against the Enlightenment's focus on reason. Writers and thinkers associated with Sentimentalism often explored themes of love, nature, and human connection, valuing feelings as a source of knowledge and understanding. Key figures in Sentimentalism include authors like Jean-Jacques Rousseau and William Wordsworth, who celebrated the beauty of human emotions and the natural world. This movement influenced various art forms, including literature, music, and visual arts, promoting the idea that genuine feelings can lead to moral and social improvement.