Romanticism and the Romantics should not be confused with popular romance literature, eg Harlequin Romances. Essentially Romanticism is an idealistic philosophy that is highly critical of all the key features of the modern world, most notably, urbanization, scientism, and utilitarianism.

Urbanization: city = epitome of civilization, symbol of human conquest of ‘brutish’ nature

Romantic viewpoint: natural world = Eden, a perfect environment. Humans should live in harmony with nature rather than trying to dominate or alter it significantly. Those who live close to the earth, especially ‘primitives’ and peasants = the noblest representatives of humanity. Urbanized adults are corrupt, but urban children retain the innocence of unfallen humanity.

Scientism: Everything, great or small, is composed of matter and is governed by logical rules of cause & effect. Through close study of physical evidence, using reason and logic, humanity will come to understand (and possibly even manipulate and/or control) the environment.

Romantics: Not everything is material, tangible, and we cannot hope to understand ourselves and our world using the scientific approach. We need to use the childlike powers of imagination, intuition, and creativity, which are even more valuable than reason and logic.

Utilitarianism: a philosophy that emphasizes looking for pragmatic and useful (ie profitable) solutions to problems. Watchword = ‘enlightened self-interest.’ Moral considerations give way to the bottom line. Children should be taught facts and figures.

Romantics: utilitarianism leads to moral and spiritual bankruptcy because it ignores the ‘impractical,’ but immeasurably valuable, human heart and soul. Children should be encouraged to feel (esp. love, compassion) and imagine.