Which period is known for a strong trust in the kindness of nature?

The period known for a strong trust in the kindness of nature is Romanticism. This artistic and intellectual movement, which spanned from the late 18th century to the mid-19th century, emphasized a deep appreciation for the natural world and the emotional responses it could evoke. Romantic thinkers and artists believed that nature held benevolent qualities and that it could inspire feelings of beauty, awe, and renewal.

Romanticism stood in contrast to previous periods, particularly the Enlightenment, which favored reason and logic over emotion and individual experience. The Romantics often portrayed nature as a source of wisdom and a refuge for the human spirit, encouraging an emotional connection to the environment. This belief in the inherent goodness and healing power of nature was a significant theme in the literature and art of this time, influencing writers such as William Wordsworth and artists like Caspar David Friedrich.

In contrast, other periods such as Restoration, Realism, and Elizabethan focus on different themes and aspects of human experience, often reflecting societal norms, human struggles, or specific historical contexts without the same emphasis on nature's positive attributes. Therefore, Romanticism uniquely represents a time when nature was celebrated as a nurturing and gracious force.