Emerson essays

Ralph Waldo Emerson was an American essayist, lecturer, and poet who is widely considered the father of Transcendentalism. His essays are a key component of his legacy and continue to be studied, admired, and discussed to this day. Emerson's essays are notable for their insight, wit, and eloquence.

The essays generally address subjects such as self-reliance, nature, morality, spirituality, and individualism. Emerson believed that everyone should pursue their own paths in life instead of blindly following the status quo. He argues that each individual is capable of finding their own truths and that each person should strive to achieve fulfillment. In the essay Self-Reliance, he writes Trust thyself: every heart vibrates to that iron string illustrating his belief that one should rely on themselves instead of society.

In his Nature essay, Emerson reflects on nature and the divine power within it. He argues that nature provides an escape from the artificiality and commodification of modern life. He writes In the wilderness, I find something more dear and connate than in streets or villages. In the tranquil landscape, and especially in the distant line of the horizon, man beholds somewhat as beautiful as his own nature.

Emersons essays have been incredibly influential to generations of readers. His essays provide a unique reflection on society and nature, inspiring readers to break away from conformity and live life to its fullest potential. His perspectives on self-reliance, nature, morality, spirituality, and individualism remain relevant and continue to impact readers today.