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, individual intuition, and a deep connection to the natural world. Key figures include Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau, who believed that individuals could transcend the limitations of society and materialism through personal experience and reflection. The movement was influenced by various ideas, including Romanticism and Eastern philosophies. Transcendentalists often critiqued organized religion and societal norms, promoting the idea that truth can be found within oneself. Their writings encouraged readers to seek personal enlightenment and to appreciate the beauty of nature.