Selections from the Journals: Dover Thrift Editions Philosophy

By Ralph Waldo Emerson

Selections from the Journals (Dover Thrift Editions: Philosophy)

by Henry David Thoreau

4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	643 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	65 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

Ralph Waldo Emerson was an American essayist, poet, and philosopher. He was one of the leading figures of the Transcendentalist movement of the 19th century. Emerson's writings were influential in the development of American thought and culture. He was a proponent of individualism, self-reliance, and the importance of intuition and experience.

Selections from the Journals is a collection of Emerson's journal entries from 1820 to 1872. The journals provide a glimpse into Emerson's intellectual development and his personal life. They are a valuable resource for scholars and anyone interested in Emerson's thought.

Contents

Selections from the Journals is divided into three parts:

1. Early Journals (1820-1832): These journals contain Emerson's early thoughts on religion, philosophy, and literature. He also records his experiences as a young man living in New England.
2. Middle Journals (1833-1847): These journals document Emerson's years as a minister and his growing involvement in the Transcendentalist movement. He also records his travels to Europe and his meetings with other intellectuals.
3. Late Journals (1848-1872): These journals contain Emerson's mature thoughts on a wide range of topics, including nature, religion, and society. He also records his experiences as an older man and his reflections on his life.

Themes

The main themes of Selections from the Journals include:

• Individualism: Emerson believed that each individual is unique and has the potential for greatness. He urged people to trust their own instincts and to follow their own path.
• Self-reliance: Emerson believed that people should be self-reliant and not rely on others for their happiness or success. He urged people to be independent and to make their own decisions.
• Intuition: Emerson believed that intuition is a valuable source of knowledge and insight. He urged people to trust their gut feelings and to not be afraid to follow their intuition.
• Experience: Emerson believed that experience is the best teacher. He urged people to learn from their experiences and to not be afraid to make mistakes.
• Nature: Emerson was a great lover of nature. He believed that nature is a source of inspiration and wisdom. He urged people to spend time in nature and to appreciate its beauty.
• Religion: Emerson's religious beliefs were complex and evolving. He rejected traditional Christianity but he believed in a higher power. He urged people to find their own spiritual path.
• Society: Emerson was critical of some aspects of American society. He believed that society was too materialistic and that it stifled individuality. He urged people to resist conformity and to work towards creating a more just and equitable society.

Impact

Selections from the Journals has had a profound impact on American thought and culture. Emerson's writings have inspired generations of readers to think for themselves and to live their own lives to the fullest. The journals are a valuable resource for anyone interested in Emerson's thought or in the history of American thought.

Further Reading

• Selections from the Journals by Ralph Waldo Emerson
• Emerson's Journals by George Willis Cooke
• Ralph Waldo Emerson by Britannica

Selections from the Journals (Dover Thrift Editions: Philosophy)

by Henry David Thoreau

4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	643 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	65 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE