About Ralph Waldo Emerson
(1803-1882)
Ralph Waldo Emerson, born in Boston on May 25, 1803, was one of the most influential writers and poets of his time. After graduating from the Harvard Divinity School, he began his career as a Unitarian minister on March 11, 1829. At just 26 years old, he became a senior pastor with an annual salary of $1,800, comparable to $44,867 in today's (2024) dollars.
Shortly after his appointment, Emerson married 18-year-old Ellen Tucker. Tragically, their marriage lasted only two years as Ellen succumbed to tuberculosis before her twentieth birthday. She endured the illness throughout their entire marriage.
Her final words were, "I have not forgotten the peace and the joy."
He once declared at her grave, "To be a good minister, I must leave the ministry."
Emerson sought the funds Ellen had left him to support himself outside the ministry. Her family initially refused, leading to five years of legal battles until he was granted $11,674.79, equivalent to $318,314 in 2024 dollars. With this financial security, Emerson became a wealthy man.
Emerson began questioning many aspects of the Bible and considered some revelations "worn out." This led to his development of transcendentalism, which emphasized individualism and the belief that organized religion and political parties were corrupt. Transcendentalists believed people were at their best when self-reliant and independent. This philosophy was the foundation for Emerson's renowned essay on self-reliance. Read more about Emerson's life.
What did Ralph Waldo Emerson write?
Ralph Waldo Emerson was a 19th-century American essayist, lecturer, and poet, considered a leading figure of the Transcendentalist movement. His prolific body of work includes:
- Essays: "Self-Reliance," "The American Scholar," "Nature," and "Compensation" are among his most famous compositions. These essays express Emerson's philosophy on life, nature, and individualism.
- Poems: Emerson wrote several poems, including "The Rhodora," "Brahma," and "Uriel." His poems are characterized by their religious themes and celebration of nature.
- Lectures: A sought-after speaker, Emerson's lectures were often published later. Notable lectures include: "The Conduct of Life," "Representative Men," and "English Traits."
- Journals: Emerson kept a diary throughout his life, containing many of his profound thoughts and ideas.
- Letters: His correspondence with friends and family offers valuable insights into his life and thoughts.
Emerson's works are considered some of the most important in American literature. His ideas on individualism, nature, and self-reliance continue to be highly regarded today.
The Home of Ralph Waldo Emerson
Ralph Waldo Emerson, one of America's most celebrated philosophers, essayists, and poets, lived in a house in Concord, Massachusetts, which played a significant role in his life and writings.
Years He Lived There: Emerson resided in this home from 1835 until he died in 1882. These were pivotal years during which he wrote many of his most influential works, including essays such as "Self-Reliance" and "The American Scholar."
Characteristics and Charm: The Emerson house was a large, square, wooden structure painted in a deep reddish-brown hue. It was two stories tall, with several chimneys protruding from its roof. The house, typical of New England architecture of the 19th century, was simple yet stately. The rooms were spacious, with high ceilings, large windows, and classic period furniture. It boasted a welcoming ambiance, with many books and artifacts reflecting Emerson's broad interests and intellectual pursuits.
Location: The house is on the Cambridge Turnpike in Concord, Massachusetts. This town, in itself, has immense historical significance, having been a focal point during the early days of the American Revolution. Emerson's home is not far from other historically significant sites, such as the homes of Louisa May Alcott and Nathaniel Hawthorne, as well as Walden Pond, made famous by Henry David Thoreau, a close friend of Emerson.
Overall Feel and Impact on His Writings: Concord's tranquility and natural beauty, along with its historical resonance, profoundly influenced Emerson's writings. He was surrounded by an environment that nurtured intellectualism, transcendentalism, and deep reflection. The natural landscapes around Concord, especially places like Walden Pond, were consistent with Emerson's reverence for nature, as expressed in his essays and lectures.
Within the walls of his home, Emerson entertained many notable figures of his time, including Thoreau, Alcott, Hawthorne, and Herman Melville. The exchange of ideas in these gatherings indeed fueled Emerson's philosophical musings.
Emerson's home was not just a physical dwelling but a reflection of his inner world. The serene surroundings, the rich intellectual atmosphere, and the history embedded in the town of Concord all converged at this home, making it an epicenter of metaphysical thought and American intellectualism during the 19th century.