Emerson, whose thought is often considered the core of Transcendentalism, stood apart from much of the activity of the movement a He had no complete philosophical system, but preached the great doctrine of a higher individualism. the spiritual nature of reality. the importance of self-reliance, the obedience to the existence of a unifying Over-Soul which s ar nstinct , the obligation of optimism and hope, and explains the many diverse phenomena of life 1616 ◼ Emerson, whose thought is often considered the core of Transcendentalism, stood apart from much of the activity of the movement. ◼ He had no complete philosophical system, but preached the great doctrine of a higher individualism, the spiritual nature of reality, the importance of self-reliance, the obedience to instinct, the obligation of optimism and hope, and the existence of a unifying Over-Soul which explains the many diverse phenomena of life