What was the principal focus of transcendentalist philosophy?

The principal focus of transcendentalist philosophy is indeed self-reflection and nature. Transcendentalists, such as Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau, emphasized the importance of the individual's intuition and the inherent goodness of both people and nature. They believed that a deeper truth could be found outside the confines of societal norms and materialism, asserting that individuals could find spiritual and moral guidance through personal reflection and a connection to the natural world.

This movement celebrated the idea that nature was a source of inspiration and a means of self-discovery. By engaging with nature, transcendentalists argued, individuals could gain insight into their true selves and the larger truths of existence. Hence, self-reflection and the appreciation of the natural environment were central tenets of their philosophy, distinguishing them from competing ideologies of the time.