Transcendentalism is a philosophical and social movement developed by several philosophers and first applied in New England. Transcendentalism opposes and can be described as the exact opposite of rationalism. Individualism on the other hand is the ability to gain freedom over self-control and knowledge as opposed to state or malta control. Individualism supports rational thinking on the part of the human being in an attempt to make rational decisions that will help him or her survive in the current social environment (Hernetta, page 300). The relationship between transcendentalism and individualism is that they are direct opposites since transcendentalism is a political and philosophical movement. The social aspect of transcendentalism is what equates it with the social nature of individualism, although that individualism allows for freedom of state and the ability to think rationally. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get Original Essay The relationship between transcendentalism and social reform is that both are politically instigated and derive the close connection from nature that they fight for change. Philosophical explanations of transcendentalism by psychologists such as Plato define transcendentalism as a political and social movement that closely linked the process of reasoning with information gleaned from experience. The relationship between the two is therefore that for transcendentalism divinity is essential and important and this can be used as an appropriate tool for change through social reforms (Hernetta, page 330). The relationship between transcendentalism and the middle class is clearly defined by Ralph Waldo's Transcendentalism and its application to the current middle class in society. The movement gained popularity through romance and human passion, which encouraged self and society. Due to the rapid growth and expansion of society, the importance of transcendentalism in relation to the middle class manifested itself in the sense that personal thinking was encouraged as a strategy to foster continued growth and development.