The Transcendentalist movement was a reaction against 18th century rationalism and a manifestation of the general humanitarian trend of 19th century thought. The movement was based on a fundamental belief in the unity of the world and God. The soul of each individual was thought to be identical with the world -- a microcosm（微观世界） of the world itself. The doctrine of self- reliance and individualism developed through the belief in the identification of the individual soul with God.
