Ralph Waldo Emerson

Ralph Waldo Emerson, an American lecturer, essayist, and poet, was born May 25, 1803. He was best known as a leader of the 19th century Transcendentalist movement. He wrote prolifically through books and essays, while also giving over 1500 lectures nationwide. He strongly advocated individualism.

Philosophy

His philosophy of Trascendentalism can be best captured and expressed in his 1836 essay Nature. His 1837 speech “The American Scholar” was considered by Oliver Wendell Holmes as America’s “Intellectual Declaration of Independence”. In the 1840’s he published one of his most well known essays Self Reliance.

Hi main philosophical ideas encompassed freedom and individuality. Transcendentalism focuses on intuition rather than religious dogma. It developed as a protest against the prevailing culture of the time, and the strict intellectualism being promoted by Harvard University. While influencing every generation of thinker and writer since his time, Emerson summed up his philosophy as “the infinitude of the private man”.

Background

Born in Boston, Massachusetts, the son of a Unitarian minister, he was raised by his mother and his aunt, when he father died when he was seven years old. His aunt, Mary Moody Emerson, played a significant role in Emerson’s life. Emerson attended Harvard, and was an average student.

Because of poor health, Emerson sought out a warmer climate, and ended up in St. Augustine, Florida in 1826. There he befriended, Prince Achille Murat, the nephew of Napoleon Bonaparte, and became good friends discussing government, society, religion and philosophy.

Emerson made his living as a schoolmaster before attending Harvard Divinity School. He served as junior pastor for Boston’s Second Church, and was ordained on January 11, 1829. He also served as chaplain to the Massachusetts legislature, and was a member of the Boston school committee.

Because of disagreements with Church officials, he resigned in 1832 stating, “This mode of commemorating Christ is not suitable to me. That is reason enough why I should abandon it.” While touring Europe he met Thomas Carlyle through an introduction from John Stuart Mill. While in Paris he visited the Jardin des Plantes, where he became fascinated with the organization of the plants and how they were all related and connected. This steered him away from theology and toward science.

In England he spent time with William Wordsworth, Thomas Carlyle and Samuel Taylor Coleridge. Returning to the United States in 1833, he began a long career as a lecturer, where he discussed many of the ideas that would be the subject of his later books and essays.

Transcendentalism

In 1836 Emerson met with George Putnam, Henry Hedge, and George Ripley, and planned meetings of like-minded individuals. This initiated the founding of the Transcendental Club, which was to serve as the center for the movement. Margaret Fuller became a prominent figure in Transcendentalism.

Over the years, Emerson was outspoken about declaring the literary independence of the United States, and advocated that Americans create their own unique writing style free from Europe. Emerson befriended Henry David Thoreau in 1837, and made a lasting impression when he asked Thoreau, “Do you keep a journal?” Emerson’s 16 volume journal is considered by some to be his key literary work.

Because of his beliefs, Ralph Waldo Emerson did have many critics. The establishment and the general Protestant community did not consider him highly. When criticized he put forth no reply, leaving it to others to think what they may. He was not invited back to Harvard to speak for thirty years.

His fame grew internationally after the publication of his famous essay, Self Reliance. In 1842 William James was born, and Emerson became his godfather. His earnings from lectures allowed him to purchase 11 acres near Walden Pond

Emerson was extremely anti-slavery and gave a series of lectures during the pre-Civil War years. He welcomed John Brown to his home during Brown’s visits to Concord, Massachusetts. At the Smithsonian Institute on January 31, 1862 he declared, “The South calls slavery an institution…I call it destitution…Emancipation is the demand of civilization.”

Ralph Waldo Emerson was a positive role model for many throughout the years. His emphasis and ideas about freedom, independence and intuition are as relevant today than ever. We as parents and caretakers of children can learn much from Emerson.

Today children face many hurdles. Divorce and kids are just one of many of these challenges. Children must learn early in life that a permissive parent is actually doing them a disservice, and true freedom and independence only result from self reliance and taking responsibility. Emerson died April 27, 1982, and left quite a legacy.

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