Transcendentalism is a philosophical and literary movement that emerged in the early 19th century in the United States. It emphasizes the inherent goodness of people and nature, advocating for self-reliance and individual intuition over traditional authority and societal norms. Key figures include Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau, who believed that individuals could achieve a deeper understanding of life through personal experience and connection with the natural world. The movement is rooted in the idea that spiritual truths can be found beyond the physical world, often through nature and personal reflection. Transcendentalists encouraged a rejection of materialism and promoted social reform, including abolition and women's rights, believing that a more just society could be achieved through individual moral growth.