Transcendentalism and the Cultivation of the Soul

by Barry M. Andrews

American Transcendentalism is often seen as a literary movement―a flowering of works written by New England intellectuals who retreated from society and lived in nature. In Transcendentalism and the Cultivation of the Soul , Barry M. Andrews focuses on a neglected aspect of this well-known group, showing how American Transcendentalists developed rich spiritual practices to nurture their souls and discover the divine. The practices are common and simple―among them, keeping journals, contemplation, walking, reading, simple living, and conversation. In approachable and accessible prose, Andrews demonstrates how Transcendentalism's main thinkers, Emerson, Thoreau, Fuller, and others, pursued rich and rewarding spiritual lives that inspired them to fight for abolition, women's rights, and education reform. In detailing these everyday acts, Andrews uncovers a wealth of spiritual practices that could be particularly valuable today, to spiritual seekers and religious liberals.

Genres: Philosophy, Nonfiction, Spirituality

188 pages, Hardcover

Published November 15, 2017

Reviews

[Kathleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

My past focus on the Transcendentalists has been the literature associated with what I thought of as a 19th century "movement": Ralph Waldo Emerson, Henry David Thoreau, Nathaniel Hawthorne, Herman Melville and Edgar Allen Poe with William Wordsworth, a major influence on Emerson's thinking and writing. The author, Barry M. Andrews, a retired Unitarian minister and academic, frames the discussion of Transcendentalism in this book as a religious movement explaining how the Transcendentalists, as a reaction to the theology at the time, transformed the thinking about religion and religious practice in America.

Much has been misunderstood about the Transcendentalists, and Andrews, supported by other scholars, clarifies our thinking. The Transcendentalists affirmed free will and dignity. They were contemplative but did not live solitary lives. Some of the language, reflective of the 19th century, differs from usage in the 21st century. For example, "self-reliance," was about self-trust, finding one's true self and living a life of wholeness and authenticity. "Self-culture," reconciling the individual with the universal, was for forming character and becoming a better, more moral character, a journey not performed in isolation from the realities of everyday life. "Their actions were motivated by the injustices they witnessed all around them: the oppression of laborers, women, and African Americans; a rigid social hierarchy; inequality in marriage; harsh educational methods, and an economy that marginalized its poorest and weakest members." Their social activism focused on abolition and women's rights, education, environmentalism, and sustainability.

Thought-provoking yet highly accessible reading, this book not only informed me about the leaders of the Transcendentalists and their beliefs and actions but also extended my thinking about their relevance to today's world, my own life. Only good would result from imbedding their tenets of solitude, contemplation, sauntering, simple living, reading, conversation, and journal writing into my life.

Finally, some of our most challenging contemporary issues parallel those of the Transcendentalists. Henry David Thoreau's words challenge our thinking and action today: Will we live a life of "quiet desperation," or will we choose to "live deliberately"? Andrews, in the final chapter, acknowledges the rich tapestry of religious life in the 21st century, the longing for a spiritual life by so many. The legacy of the Transcendentalists: walking, reading, contemplation, and conversing, is still relevant, guiding our concerns about human rights, environmentalism, and social justice into action to effect change.

[Anne Bokma · Rating 5 out of 5]

How does one live a meaningful life? This beautifully written book from a devoted scholar of the transcendentalists shows us how. Author Barry Andrews, a Unitarian minister, details the spiritual habits of this group of seekers—the original spiritual-but-not-religious types—and shows us how they have much to teach us today about slowing down, living simply and being in tune with nature. An inspiring read for our fraught times.

[Rick · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this book. It explains, analyzes, and documents everything at higher level. I especially like the sections on spiritual life, solitude, contemplation, simple living, and journal writing. Transcendentalism teaches a different and deeper perspective on life.

[Claudia Skelton · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author, a retired minister, focuses on the practices of the Transcendentalists. He cites many classic works, including Ralph Waldo Emerson, Henry David Thoreau, and others including modern authors. He shows that the Transcendentalist practices could be valuable today. I have a great many books by and about Emerson and Thoreau. Reading this book was informative and meaningful in how the spiritual thinking of the 1800s is more than just history. The legacy of the Transcendentalists could be relevant in today's world and in my spiritual growth.

[Donald · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so happy I found this book. It pulls everything together concerning the great awakening of the early 1800. Transcendentalism pushes modern spiritual understanding beyond the limits of ancient practices. It throws off the yoke of a single God within a predefined ordered world. It allows the individual to become self-reliant through nature, writing socializing and exploring all religions to nourish the soul.

[Patrick F · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really clear, readable, and compelling introduction to what Transcendentalism was and how it has influenced modern, contemporary Americans - through literally, political, and religious traditions. A fascinating read for people wanting a brief summary and introduction to this important time in American history.

[Walter Parsons · Rating 4 out of 5]

Transcendentalism explained and contextualized

Fine book on the transcendental movement covering the known and less known figures, explaining some misunderstandings, and refreshing it for modern times.

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoy learning about the Transcendentalists, and this book was short but dense, well-organized, and a good blend of academic analysis and personal application.

[Malum · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best, clearest introduction to transcendentalism and it's biggest names that I have read.

[Ellen Snoeyenbos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful introduction to this important literary and spiritual movement.