Which author is well-known for their belief in the importance of the individual over collective society within the transcendentalist movement?

The belief in the importance of the individual over collective society is most prominently associated with Ralph Waldo Emerson within the transcendentalist movement. Emerson emphasized self-reliance and personal intuition, encouraging individuals to trust their own thoughts and feelings rather than conforming to societal expectations. In his essay "Self-Reliance," he articulates the idea that individuals should be true to themselves, highlighting the significance of personal experience and the unique perspective each person brings to the world.

While Henry David Thoreau, another key figure in transcendentalism, also championed individualism in his works—most notably in "Civil Disobedience"—his ideas often focused on political activism and social justice. Walt Whitman celebrated the individual as well, especially in his poetry, but his work is often more about the collective human experience and democracy. Margaret Fuller made significant contributions to women's rights and social reform, but her focus was on gender equality and collective societal improvement.

Therefore, Ralph Waldo Emerson stands out as the central figure in promoting the concept of individualism as a core aspect of transcendentalist thought.