Why were the Romantics so attracted to sublime-the prospect of anything beyond human mind understand?

1. Desire for Transcendence: Romantics sought to transcend the limitations of human existence, seeking a realm beyond the boundaries of rational thought and conventional experience. They believed that the sublime could offer a glimpse into the infinite, the divine, and the universal.

2. Reaction against Enlightenment Rationalism: Romanticism emerged as a reaction against the Enlightenment's emphasis on reason and logic. Romantics believed that the human experience could not be fully captured by rational thought alone and that the sublime offered an emotional and spiritual connection to the world.

3. Exploration of Nature: The Romantic movement celebrated the beauty and grandeur of nature, seeing it as a manifestation of the sublime. They were drawn to untamed landscapes, such as mountains, forests, and oceans, that represented the power and vastness of the natural world.

4. Sublime as a Source of Inspiration: Romantics believed that the sublime had the power to inspire and uplift the human spirit. By confronting the overwhelming grandeur of nature or contemplating the mysteries of the universe, they sought artistic inspiration and a deeper understanding of life.

5. Emotional Intensity: Romanticism emphasized the importance of intense emotional experiences. The sublime could evoke awe, wonder, terror, and other strong emotions that challenged conventional societal norms and provided a sense of profound personal growth.

6. Rejection of Societal Conventions: Romantics often rejected the social conventions and constraints of their time. They found liberation in the contemplation of the sublime, which allowed them to break free from societal norms and explore the boundaries of human consciousness.

7. Connection to the Divine: Romantics saw the sublime as a means to connect with the divine or a higher order of reality. By aligning themselves with the vast and incomprehensible forces of nature or the universe, they sought a spiritual transcendence and a sense of unity with the divine.

8. Aesthetics of the Sublime: Romantics were drawn to the aesthetic qualities of the sublime, such as grandeur, vastness, obscurity, and power. They found beauty in the overwhelming and awe-inspiring aspects of the world that exceeded human understanding.