Romanticism is a philosophical and artistic movement that emerged in the late 18th century, emphasizing emotion, individualism, and the sublime. Key ideas include:

1. Emotion over Reason: Prioritizes feelings, intuition, and imagination over rationalism and logic.
2. Nature: Reveres nature as a source of beauty, inspiration, and spiritual renewal.
3. Individualism: Celebrates personal freedom, self-expression, and the uniqueness of the individual.
4. The Sublime: Focuses on awe-inspiring, overwhelming experiences that transcend ordinary reality.
5. Critique of Industrialization: Often critiques the dehumanizing effects of industrialization and urbanization.

Thinkers like Rousseau and poets like Wordsworth and Shelley exemplify Romantic ideals.

Individualism in Romanticism emphasizes the intrinsic value and uniqueness of the individual. It celebrates personal freedom, self-expression, and the idea that each person has a distinct inner life and perspective. This contrasts with Enlightenment rationalism, which often prioritized universal reason and societal norms. Romantic individualism champions the individual’s emotional depth, creativity, and autonomy, often viewing society as a constraint on personal authenticity and growth. Thinkers like Rousseau and artists like Wordsworth exemplify this by focusing on personal experience and subjective truth.