111 The Americanest American – Ralph Waldo Emerson
Sep 25, 2017
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Ralph Waldo Emerson, a literary scholar and theorist of American writing, is discussed in this podcast. They explore his influence on American literature, his aphoristic writing style, and the importance of contradictory and individual thought. The podcast also mentions book recommendations and upcoming episodes.
Ralph Waldo Emerson's philosophy of transcendentalism emphasized self-reliance, individualism, and the study of nature.
His essays encouraged readers to trust themselves, think independently, and break away from societal expectations.
Emerson's impact on American literature is evident in the influence he had on writers like Walt Whitman, Henry David Thoreau, and Emily Dickinson, who adopted his ideas of non-conformity and the search for personal truth.
Deep dives
Emerson's Influence on American Literature
Ralph Waldo Emerson had a profound impact on American literature and thought. He was the prime figure of transcendentalism, a movement that emphasized self-reliance, individualism, and the study of nature. Emerson's essays, such as 'Self-Reliance' and 'The American Scholar', encouraged readers to trust themselves, think independently, and break away from societal expectations. His philosophy influenced writers like Walt Whitman, Henry David Thoreau, and Emily Dickinson, who adopted his ideas of non-conformity and the search for personal truth. While some critics, like Edgar Allan Poe, had objections to Emerson's writings, his influence on American literature remains significant.
Emerson's Life and Travels
Ralph Waldo Emerson was born in Boston, Massachusetts in 1803. After his father's death, he attended Harvard and became a schoolmaster before attending Divinity School. In 1832, he traveled to Europe, where he met influential thinkers and developed his own philosophical ideas. Emerson's personal experiences, including the loss of his first wife and his resignation from the ministry, shaped his views on self-reliance and the individual's relationship with society. He became a popular lecturer, traveling throughout New England and inspiring audiences with his passionate delivery and thought-provoking ideas.
Emerson's Writing Style and Themes
Emerson's writing style was dense and packed with intellectual insights. His essays explored a wide range of topics, including nature, self-reliance, friendship, history, and art. He emphasized the importance of individual thought, intuition, and subjective experience. Emerson encouraged readers to trust themselves, question authority, and find their own path in life. His works contained aphoristic statements and thought-provoking ideas, often urging readers to live in the present, embrace their unique perspectives, and connect with the natural world. His writings reflected his belief in the power of the individual mind and the need for personal growth and exploration.
Emerson's Influence and Controversy
Emerson's philosophy of self-reliance and transcendentalism had a significant impact on American literature and thought. Writers like Walt Whitman, Henry David Thoreau, and Emily Dickinson were inspired by his ideas and integrated them into their own works. However, not all writers and critics embraced Emerson's philosophy. Edgar Allan Poe and Robert Penn Warren, for example, had objections to aspects of his writing and beliefs. Despite these controversies, Emerson's influence on American literature is undeniable, and his ideas continue to shape literary and philosophical discussions today.
Conclusion
Ralph Waldo Emerson's impact on American literature and thought cannot be overstated. Through his philosophy of transcendentalism, he encouraged readers to trust themselves, think independently, and embrace the beauty of nature. His essays explored a wide range of topics and his dense writing style packed with intellectual insights and thought-provoking ideas. While not everyone agreed with his philosophy, his influence on writers like Walt Whitman, Henry David Thoreau, and Emily Dickinson is evident. Emerson's legacy as a prominent figure in American literature continues to inspire and shape the way we think about the world and ourselves.
In 1984, the literary scholar Harold Bloom had this to say about Ralph Waldo Emerson: “Emerson is the mind of our climate, the principal source of the American difference in poetry, criticism and pragmatic post-philosophy…. Emerson, by no means the greatest American writer… is the inescapable theorist of all subsequent American writing. From his moment to ours, American authors either are in his tradition, or else in a counter-tradition originating in opposition to him.” Who was Emerson? How did he become so influential? What did he unlock in American literature? And what can we take from his works today?
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