Every man has his own courage, and is betrayed because he seeks in himself the courage of other persons.

About Emerson

Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803-1882), was born on May 25, 1803, in Boston, Massachusetts, and died April 27, 1882 in Concord, Massachusetts. Emerson was best known as an American Transcendentalist poet, philosopher, and essayist and lived during the 19th century in the United States. Emerson's original profession and calling was as a Unitarian minister, but he left the ministry to pursue a career in writing and public speaking. He was also a leading exponent of New England Transcendentalism.

Emerson is cited often by the Oxford University Press, New York Columbia University Press, and Harvard University, Cambridge University Press, University of California Press, and he became one of America's best-known and best-loved 19th-century figures.

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Text & Quotes of Emerson

Learn from one of the greatest writers and poets in American history. His most famous work, Ralph Waldo Emerson's Self-Reliance can truly change your life for the better.

Other famous works are The American Scholar summary, The Lord's Supper, Nature, St. Augustine Confessions, Harvard Divinity School Address, English Traits, Representative Men, and his collection of poems.

Essays First Series
Essays Second Series

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Discussion on Emerson

From these pages, open discussions on Emerson, his work, his life, and how you can improve yours from this beloved author and poet.

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Emerson's most famous work
Self-Reliance

Throughout his life, Ralph Waldo Emerson kept detailed journals of his thoughts and actions, and he returned to them as a source for many of his essays. Self-reliance is all that it sounds like plus considerably more. Learn from one of the greatest writers and poets in American history. His most famous work, Ralph Waldo Emerson's Self-Reliance can truly change your life for the better.

More About Self-Reliance

What is Ralph Waldo Emerson's most famous quote?

Ralph Waldo Emerson is widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in American literary history. He was a philosopher, essayist, and poet who lived during the 19th century. His most famous quote is "Self-reliance is the foundation of a prosperous society." This quote is often cited as a cornerstone of Emerson's philosophy, which emphasized individualism, self-sufficiency, and the importance of following one's own path in life. This message continues to inspire and resonate with people around the world, making it one of the most enduring and memorable quotes in American literary history.

What is Emerson's most famous essay?

Ralph Waldo Emerson is most famous for his essay "Self-Reliance." This essay, first published in 1841, outlines Emerson's philosophy of individualism and self-reliance, and it remains one of his most widely read and influential works. In "Self-Reliance," Emerson argues that people should trust their own instincts and ideas, rather than blindly following the opinions and beliefs of others. He writes that people should cultivate their own inner voice, and that this inner voice is the key to true happiness and fulfillment. The essay is considered a classic of American literature, and its message continues to be relevant and inspiring to people around the world.

What are Ralph Waldo Emerson's most famous poems?

Ralph Waldo Emerson was a renowned poet and writer, and several of his poems have become well-known and widely celebrated. Some of his most famous poems include "Concord Hymn," which he wrote to commemorate the Battle of Concord during the American Revolution, "Each and All," a meditation on the interconnections between all things, and "Brahma," a celebration of the unity of all things in the universe. Emerson's poetry is characterized by its use of rich and descriptive language, its philosophical themes, and its focus on individualism and self-reliance. His poems remain popular and widely read today, and they continue to inspire and influence people around the world.

What inspired Ralph Waldo Emerson to write?

Ralph Waldo Emerson was inspired to write by a variety of factors, including his experiences as a young man, his philosophical beliefs, and his interest in exploring the relationship between the individual and society. One of the most significant influences on Emerson's writing was his growing sense of disillusionment with traditional religious and cultural institutions. He saw these institutions as stifling and oppressive, and he felt that people were being denied the freedom to think and act for themselves. In response to this, Emerson began to develop a philosophy of individualism and self-reliance, and he sought to share this philosophy through his writing. Through his essays, poems, and lectures, he sought to inspire others to embrace their own inner voice and to live their lives according to their own values and beliefs.

What influenced Ralph Waldo Emerson?

Ralph Waldo Emerson was influenced by a wide range of factors, including his personal experiences, philosophical ideas, and cultural and historical events. Some of the most significant influences on his work include his exposure to the ideas of Transcendentalism, a philosophical and cultural movement that sought to bridge the gap between the individual and the divine. He was also inspired by his travels in Europe, where he was exposed to the works of leading European philosophers and poets. Additionally, Emerson was deeply influenced by the religious and cultural institutions of his time, and he sought to challenge and reject many of the traditions and beliefs that he saw as stifling and oppressive. These various influences helped shape his unique philosophy of individualism and self-reliance, which he sought to share with others through his writing.

What are 3 significant things about Emerson?

Ralph Waldo Emerson was a highly influential figure in American literary and cultural history. Here are three significant things about him:

  1. Philosophical Thought: Emerson was a central figure in the Transcendentalist movement, which emphasized the importance of individual experience and the power of the human spirit to understand the world. His writing reflects these beliefs and encourages readers to trust their own instincts and ideas.

  2. Literary Legacy: Emerson was a prolific writer, producing a large body of work that includes essays, poems, and lectures. His writing remains widely read and highly regarded today, and he is considered one of the most important American writers of the 19th century.

  3. Cultural Influence: Beyond his literary achievements, Emerson also had a significant impact on American culture. His ideas about individualism and self-reliance have been widely influential, and they continue to shape our understanding of American values and ideals. Additionally, he was a prominent public speaker and a leading figure in the intellectual and cultural life of his time.

What is Ralph Emerson's motto?

Ralph Waldo Emerson's motto, or personal philosophy, can be best summed up by his famous quote, "Self-reliance is the foundation of a prosperous society." This quote reflects Emerson's belief in the importance of individualism and self-reliance, and it encapsulates the central themes that he explored in his writing. In Emerson's view, people should trust their own instincts and ideas, rather than blindly following the opinions and beliefs of others. He believed that this inner voice is the key to true happiness and fulfillment, and that it is the foundation of a prosperous and harmonious society. This message continues to inspire and resonate with people around the world, and it remains one of Emerson's most enduring and memorable contributions to American literary and cultural history.

What is Ralph Waldo Emerson most known for?

Ralph Waldo Emerson is most widely known for his contributions to American literature and cultural history as a writer, poet, and philosopher. He is considered one of the most important American writers of the 19th century, and his essays, poems, and lectures have had a profound impact on American intellectual and cultural life. Emerson is best known for his philosophy of individualism and self-reliance, which he expounded upon in works such as "Self-Reliance" and "Nature." These works argue that people should trust their own instincts and ideas, and that this inner voice is the key to true happiness and fulfillment. Through his writing, Emerson sought to inspire others to embrace their own individuality and to live their lives according to their own values and beliefs. His legacy continues to be celebrated and studied today, and he remains one of the most widely read and influential writers in American literary history.

What type of people did Emerson gather around him?

Throughout his life, Ralph Waldo Emerson was associated with a wide-ranging group of people from various walks of life and intellectual disciplines. Some of the individuals who gathered around him included fellow writers, poets, philosophers, and artists, as well as intellectuals, reformers, and political activists. These individuals were drawn to Emerson's ideas about individualism and self-reliance, and many of them were influenced by his philosophy in their own work.

What is Emerson's theory?

Ralph Waldo Emerson is best known for his theory of individualism and self-reliance, which he expounded upon in his essays, poems, and lectures. At its core, this theory holds that people should trust their own instincts and ideas, rather than blindly following the opinions and beliefs of others.

According to Emerson, the inner voice is the key to true happiness and fulfillment, and it should be the guiding force in people's lives. His theory of individualism and self-reliance continues to be widely studied and celebrated today, and it remains one of his most enduring contributions to American literary and cultural history.

What type of poetry is Ralph Waldo Emerson known for?

Ralph Waldo Emerson is best known for his contributions to American literature as an essayist and philosopher, but he also wrote several influential works of poetry. He is particularly known for his lyrical and contemplative poems that reflect his philosophy of individualism and self-reliance.

Emerson's poetry is characterized by its focus on nature, spirituality, and the human experience, and it often explores the relationship between the self and the universe. His poems are notable for their vivid and evocative language, their spiritual themes, and their celebration of individual freedom and self-expression.

Some of Emerson's most famous poems include "Each and All," "The Rhodora," "Concord Hymn," and "Brahma." These works continue to be widely read and celebrated today, and they remain an important part of American literary and cultural history. Through his poetry, Emerson sought to inspire others to embrace their own individuality and to find their own path to happiness and fulfillment.

Why was Ralph Waldo Emerson important to Transcendentalism?

Ralph Waldo Emerson was a key figure in the Transcendentalist movement, which was a major intellectual and cultural movement that emerged in New England in the early 19th century. Transcendentalism was characterized by a focus on individualism, self-reliance, and the power of the individual spirit, and it sought to challenge traditional religious, social, and political beliefs and institutions.

Emerson was one of the leading voices of the movement, and he was known for his essays, poems, and lectures, which expounded upon his ideas about individualism, self-reliance, and the power of the individual spirit. Through his writing and speaking, he sought to inspire others to embrace their own individuality and to live their lives according to their own values and beliefs.

Emerson's contributions to Transcendentalism were significant, as he helped to define the movement and to shape its intellectual and cultural influence. He was a major influence on other leading Transcendentalists, such as Henry David Thoreau, Margaret Fuller, and Bronson Alcott, and his ideas and writings continue to be widely studied and celebrated today.

Overall, Ralph Waldo Emerson's contributions to Transcendentalism were essential in shaping the movement's intellectual and cultural impact, and he remains one of the most important and influential figures in American literary and cultural history.

Popular Collections

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This section includes the lectures given by Ralph Waldo Emerson and also includes various biographies on his life and those close to Emerson. The Sovereignty of Ethics and Mary Moody Emerson are included.

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This section covers poems written early in Emerson’s career which some are not widely known. Fifty poems are available, including The Rhodora.

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This is a collection of writings, addresses, essays, and reviews by Emerson. Included are his famous works, The Last Supper.

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The section does not cover the history and life of Emerson and his writings, but rather his work entitled “History.”

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"The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall." That quote has been inspirational to me and my business. I've taken risks and fallen, but I always get back up stronger than before.

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The wisdom that is Emerson has been a strong impact on my career and in my roles as a father and husband. His advice is timeless. "Self Reliance" was the first work of Emerson's that I read and I still read it every year.

Ron Halversen

I read Emerson's Self Reliance as a teen for English class. It didn't click for me at the time, but as I got older I found myself remembering bits and pieces. It's been a sort of backbone to my adult life that I've returned to again and again when I needed (self) guidance.

Melissa Anderson

I recently attended an important dinner meeting with a potential new client. I reminded myself to be calm, watch my non-verbal cues and maintain eye contact. I learned these important items when reading Ralph Waldo Emerson's "The Conduct of Life". The essay emphasized the importance of "Behavior" and to celebrate "the wonderful expressiveness of the human body".

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"To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment." To think Emerson uttered these words nearly two centuries ago and yet it is the perfect advice for today's youth."

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Emerson's advice, "Every man is a consumer, and ought to be a producer," is even more important in today's wealth-driven economy. Being a producer ensures your family's security and comfort even after you are gone."

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"Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail." Every business owner would be wise to heed Emerson's words."

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There is no human alive could not appreciate the magnitude of living life free from all that we tightly wind ourselves. This freedom comes from the writings of Ralph Waldo Emerson.

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What I remember most about Emerson is he said not to worry about what has happened in the past, or what may happen in the future, but focus on that which dwells deep within you.

Derek Mills

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A year has not gone by since I left college that I have not read Emerson’s essay, Self Reliance. I have instilled Emerson’s wisdom on my daughter, family, and friends.

Jeff Greenfield

My grandfather told me when I was young that instead of following the path of others, I should go where my heart took me. For me to leave a trail for others to follow. I learned years later it was a quote from Emerson.

Todd Chism

People Influenced By Emerson

Henry David Thoreau

Henry David Thoreau

Henry David Thoreau was an American essayist, a poet, philosopher, abolitionist, naturalist, tax resister, development critic, surveyor, and historian. His well-known essays were Civil Disobedience and Life Without Principle.

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Thomas Carlyle

Thomas Carlyle

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Friedrich Nietzsche

Friedrich Nietzsche

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Amos Bronson Alcott

Amos Bronson Alcott

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Stanley Cavell

Stanley Cavell

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Ellen Louisa Tucker

Ellen Louisa Tucker

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Margaret Fuller

Margaret Fuller

Margaret Fuller was a women’s rights advocate associated with the American transcendentalism movement. She was also an American journalist. Her given name was Sarah Margaret Fuller Ossoli.

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Ralph Waldo Emerson was born in Boston, Massachusetts, on May 25, 1803.

'The American Scholar' was a speech given by Ralph Waldo Emerson on August 31, 1837.

The Harvard Divinity School Address

Ralph Waldo Emerson delivered this speech before the Senior Class in Divinity College, Cambridge in July 15, 1838.

There is a difference between one and another hour of life, in their authority and subsequent effect.

The Poet

Those who are esteemed umpires of taste, are often persons knowledge of admired pictures or sculptures.

Nominalist and Realist

I cannot often enough say, that a man is only a relative and representative nature. Each is a hint of the truth.

Ruth Haskins Emerson

The mother of Ralph Waldo Emerson was born on 9 Nov 1768 Boston, Suffolk County, Massachusetts.

Lidian Jackson Emerson

She was the second wife of Ralph Waldo Emerson, America's best known and best-loved essayist, lecturer, poet in 19th-century.

The Harvard University Press

Collected Works of Ralph Waldo Emerson, History, Biography, Nature, Addresses, and Lectures

Princeton University Press

Princeton University Press published a book on Ralph Waldo Emerson named Emerson: The Roots of Prophecy.

University of Chicago Press

University of Chicago Press published a journal -Rethinking Self-Reliance: Emerson on Mobbing, War, and Abolition.

Boston Public Latin School

Ralph Waldo Emerson received his early education at home would serve him well in school.

Edward Waldo Emerson

(1844-1930) Was a physician, writer, and lecturer. Lived in Concord, Massachusetts most of his life. Was the youngest son of Ralph Waldo Emerson and Lydian Jackson Emerson (second wife). Educated at Harvard and graduated in 1866. He went to Harvard Medical School and graduated in 1874. His medical practice was in Concord until 1882 when his inheritance was delivered and decided to retire.

Ralph Waldo Emerson - American author, poet, philospher, and essayist,

This site is dedicated to the memory of my late father, Emerson West, who was named after Ralph Waldo Emerson. The man I am today reflects the influence of my father and the life teachings of Emerson.