Final answer:
Transcendentalism, a 19th-century intellectual movement, can be seen in today's society through the emphasis and value placed on individualism, self-reliance, personal freedom, and human rights activism. Today's culture and societal norms are heavily influenced by transcendentalist ideals.
Step-by-step explanation:
Transcendentalism is evident in today's society through various manifestations. Predominantly, it is seen in the embrace of individualism, self-reliance, and personal freedom. These values, initially emphasized by the transcendentalists, are pillars in modern culture, particularly in America.
Transcendentalism, an intellectual movement of the 19th century, emphasizes the inherent goodness of both people and nature. It believed that society and its institutions corrupt the purity of the individual. One way in which these ideas continue to resonate today lies in the pursuit of a simple, natural life, and the flourishing interest in mindfulness and spirituality that seek a deeper connection with the universe.
Emerson and Thoreau, leading figures of the movement, wrote extensively about the power of self-reliance and the importance of individuality. Today's culture, with its emphasis on individual expression, the pursuit of personal passions, and the glorification of 'the self-made man', illustrates the influence of these transcendentalist ideals. Moreover, activism for human rights and abolition of any sort of slavery or forceful control, which were championed by the transcendentalists, can also be seen evidently today.
The impact of transcendentalism in contemporary society manifests in encouraging individuals to question societal norms and to embrace their unique identities, thus influencing the cultural movements of today.
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