What philosophy emphasizes direct communication with God and Nature, promoting individualism and self-reliance?

Transcendentalism is the correct choice because it is a philosophical and literary movement that emerged in the early 19th century, emphasizing the inherent goodness of people and nature. This philosophy advocates for individuals to trust their intuition and rely on their own inner voice, promoting the idea that individuals can find truth and spiritual fulfillment by connecting directly with God and the natural world, rather than through organized religion or societal norms.

Transcendentalists like Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau emphasized self-reliance, encouraging people to live authentically and develop a personal relationship with the divine and the environment. This reflects a fundamental belief in the power of the individual and the importance of personal growth through solitary experiences in nature, leading to deeper insights into one's existence and purpose.

In contrast, Romanticism focuses on emotion and imagination, often exploring beauty and nature, but places less emphasis on the philosophical aspects of individualism in communication with God. Existentialism delves into themes of meaning and existence, frequently questioning the nature of reality, which is a different approach than that of Transcendentalism. Finally, Realism seeks to depict life as it is, often prioritizing objective representation over subjective experience, which is quite distinct from the individual