Romantic Idealism

Definition

Romantic Idealism is a philosophical and artistic movement that emerged in the late 18th century as a reaction against the Enlightenment's emphasis on reason. It prioritizes emotions, individuality, and nature over rational thought.

Analogy

Think of Romantic Idealism like an artist who prefers to paint landscapes based on their feelings and impressions rather than accurately depicting every detail. They value the emotional connection with nature more than the scientific understanding of it.

Related terms

Sublime: A concept in aesthetics referring to something that inspires awe or terror, often associated with nature's grandeur in romantic idealism.

Gothic Literature: A genre of literature that combines elements of both horror and romance, emphasizing emotion and a sense of mystery, closely linked with romantic idealism.

Byronic Hero: A type of character popularized by Lord Byron during the Romantic period; typically rebellious, brooding, passionate - embodying many aspects of romantic idealism.