American romantic writers rejected rationalism because they believed that

To understand why American romantic writers rejected rationalism, we need to look at the historical and cultural context in which they flourished.

During the 19th century, America was undergoing significant social, political, and economic transformations. Industrialization and urbanization were rapidly changing the country, and there was a growing sense that modern society was becoming too mechanical and materialistic. This gave rise to a cultural movement known as Romanticism.

Romanticism emphasized individualism, emotion, and imagination. It celebrated nature, the supernatural, and the power of the individual to shape their own destiny. It rejected the rationality and mechanistic view of the world that was prevalent during the Enlightenment period.

American romantic writers believed that rationalism, with its emphasis on reason and logic, had led to a devaluation of human emotions and intuition. They saw rationalism as stifling creativity, imagination, and the connection to the natural world. Instead, they sought to explore the depths of human emotions, the awe-inspiring power of nature, and the mysteries of the human soul.

One of the key figures in American romantic literature is Ralph Waldo Emerson, who urged individuals to follow their own intuition and reject conformity. He believed that true knowledge and wisdom could be found not in books or institutions, but in one's own experiences and encounters with nature.

Another prominent writer of the time, Henry David Thoreau, rejected the materialistic and consumerist values of society. He advocated for a simpler, more self-reliant way of life, which he exemplified through his famous experiment of living by Walden Pond in nature.

In summary, American romantic writers rejected rationalism because they believed it stifled creativity, intuition, and the appreciation of nature. They sought to explore the power of emotions, imagination, and individuality as a means to connect with a deeper truth about the human experience.