Question

Which characteristic of transcendentalism does the following statement by Amos Bronson Alcott exemplify?

Who speaks to the instincts . . . finds the readiest response.

A) People, nature, and God are all connected in one universal spirit.
B) People should trust their intuition over their senses.
C) Students should learn from discussion, not memorization.
D) Organized religion is unnecessary in communing with nature.

Answer 1

The answer is B. People should trust their intuition over their senses.

Answer 2

Transcendentalism was a reaction to intellectualism and spirituality that emerged during the early 1800s. It is believed by transcendentalists that society has corrupted the purity of the individual, including in the way that the individual thinks and focusing on your true intuition is a way to go beyond that taint and find purity again. That's why the correct answer is

B) People should trust their intuition over their senses

It is not about gods, discussions or religion, but about one's true nature.