The Impact of Ralph Waldo Emerson: Father of American Philosophy
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Introduction to Ralph Waldo Emerson
How familiar are you with the father of American philosophy? Interestingly, he had a contentious relationship with Edgar Allan Poe.
On July 15, 1838, Ralph Waldo Emerson delivered a graduation address at Harvard Divinity School. Once a minister and Harvard graduate himself, Emerson had recently emerged as a disruptive force against the prevailing New England Christian norms.
He stood before a gathering of ten aspiring preachers and unleashed a provocative 7,000-word speech that essentially challenged the audience by saying, “I believe Jesus existed and was a remarkable individual, but why do we elevate him so? We often wield his teachings as a weapon. Isn’t it time we focus on understanding the actual divine?”
In the context of 1830s New England, where witch hunts had occurred just a century prior, this speech ignited a significant uproar.
Surprisingly, Emerson was unfazed by the backlash. He faced potential censorship that could have derailed his career but chose not to defend himself. It wasn't until three years later that he published his first book, Essays, which included the famous essay "Self-Reliance."
My Introduction to Emerson's Philosophy
I first encountered Emerson in 2019 when I was begrudgingly enrolled in an Early American Literature course at a community college in suburban Georgia. To participate in a spring class I admired, I had to endure a fall semester filled with 20 high school students.
My professor was stern and visibly worn out, and I found it hard to respect her. However, she assigned "Self-Reliance" as homework, and by our next class, I was captivated, taking notes furiously as if she were a prophet. From that point on, our discussions felt personal, even with an audience of minors.
Since then, I have read "Self-Reliance" multiple times, consistently amazed by Emerson’s audacity and insight. His writing is infuriatingly dense yet refreshingly bold, making it both challenging and rewarding to read.
Despite its complexity, "Self-Reliance" is a piece I often recommend, even though Emerson’s background as a minister rather than a traditional writer sometimes shows. This essay has transformed my perspective on life, serving as a beacon during my most uncertain moments. Below, I will summarize my favorite points from "Self-Reliance."
Key Lessons from "Self-Reliance"
- Being True to Oneself
- Quote: "But if I am the Devil’s child, I will live then from the Devil."
- In Plain English: I once told an advisor that I prioritize following my inner truth over rigid traditions. My friend cautioned me that these impulses might stem from a darker place. I replied, “If I am the Devil’s child, so be it. My inner truth is sacred.”
- Why I Like It: This powerful declaration encapsulates Emerson's fearless approach to authenticity.
- Identities and Expectations
- Quote: "If I know your sect, I anticipate your argument."
- In Plain English: Knowing someone's label allows me to predict their beliefs. Labels constrain individual thought.
- Why I Like It: This realization helped me break free from limiting identities and expectations in my own life.
- The Folly of Consistency
- Quote: "A foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of little minds."
- In Plain English: Rigidly sticking to past beliefs is counterproductive. True greatness often involves being misunderstood.
- Why I Like It: Emerson encourages embracing change rather than clinging to outdated notions.
- Cumulative Character
- Quote: "The force of character is cumulative."
- In Plain English: Authentic actions reflect your true self over time. Don’t dilute yourself for acceptance.
- Why I Like It: Our actions build our character and should stem from genuine self-understanding.
- Living in the Present
- Quote: "These roses under my window make no reference to former roses or to better ones."
- In Plain English: Embrace the present moment without dwelling on the past or future.
- Why I Like It: This resonates deeply with my spiritual journey; living in the now is essential for happiness.
- Opportunities for Growth
- Quote: "He has not one chance, but a hundred chances."
- In Plain English: A person who is constantly striving and learning has many opportunities for success, while those fixated on a single path may feel limited.
- Why I Like It: This perspective encourages resilience and adaptability in life.
- Internal Struggles
- Quote: "My giant goes with me wherever I go."
- In Plain English: You cannot escape your emotional burdens; they follow you everywhere.
- Why I Like It: Acknowledging our struggles is essential for genuine growth.
- Cultivating Individuality
- Quote: "Insist on yourself; never imitate."
- In Plain English: Embrace your unique talents; imitation only leads to mediocrity.
- Why I Like It: This principle empowers individuals to explore and develop their distinct gifts.
The Essence of Self-Reliance
Emerson portrays a self-reliant individual as someone who:
- Follows their inner instincts and core values.
- Is unconcerned about societal perceptions.
- Admits mistakes and adapts accordingly.
- Is not confined by rigid belief systems.
- Sees every experience as an opportunity for growth.
- Confronts emotional challenges head-on.
- Works diligently to cultivate their unique talents.
Emerson’s Legacy
"Self-Reliance" stands as a cornerstone of early Transcendentalism, marking America’s first significant intellectual movement after colonization. Despite his eccentricities, Emerson’s contributions to philosophy and social justice, including support for women’s rights and the abolition of slavery, remain influential. His clashes with contemporaries, including Herman Melville and Edgar Allan Poe, only add to his mystique.
This video explores the life and philosophy of William James, another prominent figure in American thought, providing context to Emerson’s influence.
Additionally, this video delves into who William James was, highlighting the impact of Emerson's ideas on later thinkers.
In conclusion, Ralph Waldo Emerson remains a captivating figure in American philosophy. If you’re interested in exploring his work further, you can access the full essay for free. Just be prepared for his unconventional style—he never shied away from being true to himself.