ENGL204 Week 2

Introduction to Ralph Waldo Emerson

Speaker: Peter Holbrook

• Purpose: To provide an in-depth discussion of Emerson's writings, concentrating on his eloquence and innovative ideas, which contributed significantly to American literature and philosophy.

Emerson's Writing Style

• Described as having "liquid eloquence," Emerson's writing conveys not just thoughts but profound insights into life, continuity, and the essence of humanity. His ability to articulate complex ideas in a clear and compelling manner enables readers to connect deeply with his themes.

Importance of Emerson

• Emerson is celebrated as one of America’s most significant writers and thinkers, known for his unique perspective on human life and the individual’s role within it. His work laid the foundation for various movements, including Transcendentalism, influencing both literature and philosophy profoundly.

Historical Context

• Born: 1803, Boston, Massachusetts, shortly after the American Revolution, in an era marked by change and growth within the young nation.

• New Society: Emerson was born into a time of political, social, and spiritual upheaval, characterized by experimentation with new forms of governance and personal beliefs that diverged from European traditions.

• Declaration of Independence: The foundational ideals of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness contrasted starkly with the oppressive social norms of previous centuries, including feudal systems and absolute monarchies.

New Ideals

• Pursuit of Happiness: Emerson’s philosophy represents a fundamental shift away from obedience and external authority towards a focus on individual fulfillment and self-discovery.

• Comparison with European Ideals: In contrast to European societies, which often emphasized virtue and salvation, Emerson argued that happiness should be regarded as a shared, collective aspiration that prioritizes individual needs and desires.

Emerson's Philosophical Approach

• Experimentalism: Emerson’s essays serve as an exploratory attempt to reformulate our understanding of life, emphasizing not only existence but the imperative of living vibrantly. This approach advocates for a re-evaluation of life as something with intrinsic value rather than merely a moral benchmark.

• Value of Life: He proposes that life should be assessed not by moral standards but as a source of energy and abundance, celebrating the fullness of human experience.

Nature and Vitality

• Essays as Experiments: His writings are explorations of leading a "natural" and vibrant life; they encourage readers to think critically about what constitutes authenticity and vitality.

• Role of Change: Emerson emphasizes that new modes of living necessitate a recognition of life’s inherent dynamism and demands a departure from rigid traditions that stifle individual expression.

Emerson's Writing and its Influence

• Clerical Background: Initially trained as a clergyman, Emerson transformed into a prominent author and thinker, symbolizing a broader cultural shift towards personal spirituality and individual thought.

• Visionary Authority: His works embody a religious authority that both reflects and critiques historic religious frameworks, promoting personal interpretation and experience.

Rejection of Traditional Authority

• Emerging New Religiosity: Emerson articulates a model of spirituality that prioritizes personal experience over conventional religious beliefs, calling for a more individualized understanding of faith.

• The Role of Geniuses: Writers like Emerson advocate for originality, urging individuals to challenge societal conventions and harness their unique voices in expression and thought.

Call to Originality

• Need for New Knowledge: Emerson argues in his essay, "The American Scholar," for the necessity of developing new paradigms of thought that resonate with the distinct cultural context of America.

• Anti-Intellectual Stance: He expresses apprehension toward overly intellectualizing life, arguing that such an approach detracts from the vibrancy of living. Instead, Emerson promotes a visceral, intuitive engagement with the world around us.

Self-Reliance and Individualism

• Essence of Character: In Emerson's view, the vitality of one’s character and authenticity is far more important than mere intellectualism, suggesting that a truly fulfilling life is rooted in self-trust and genuine self-expression.