The American Scholar (Ralph Waldo Emerson) Essay Example
The American Scholar (Ralph Waldo Emerson) Essay Example

The American Scholar (Ralph Waldo Emerson) Essay Example

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To truly understand and appreciate nature, one must possess a deep interest in it. Scholars find nature to be a source of mystery as it teaches valuable lessons. It demonstrates the interconnectedness of everything, with trees growing from roots and leaves sprouting from trees. Nature also provides guidance on how to organize and categorize its diverse elements, thereby simplifying our understanding (section I).

Books are valuable resources for scholars to gather information about the past, but it is important to recognize that they do not provide an absolute factual account. Instead, books offer the necessary content for individuals to formulate their own opinions. These writings were created by people who were influenced by other books and preconceived notions. Thus, it is crucial for individuals to find inspiration from these books in order to develop their own unique thoughts. It is essential to utilize all available

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resources and consider various perspectives in this process (section II). By independently crafting thoughts and utilizing diverse sources, scholars can truly acquire knowledge. Additionally, although not equally significant, scholars should also take action.

To fully maximize his time, the scholar should engage in a variety of occupations and acquire new skills. Additionally, he must familiarize himself with multiple languages to effectively convey his ideas. Sharing his knowledge with others, the scholar should educate them on distinguishing between truth and superficial appearances. Above all, the scholar should possess unwavering self-confidence and remain uncompromising in the face of prevailing public sentiment.

According to Emerson, it is important for a person to not pursue wealth or influence, as these should not influence their judgment. How they behave reflects their character, emphasizing that character i

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more valuable than intellect. Emerson also discusses the gender differences in the nature of scholars, distinguishing between "man thinking" and woman. Additionally, he mentions hearing about the views of the clergy.

Emerson explains that in the past, clergymen, who were the scholars of their time, were referred to as women. He suggests that society has demeaned and devalued them.

Emerson's choice of representing women as a degraded image implies that they cannot be scholars, as he consistently refers to them negatively. This is amplified by his frequent use of terms like "the man," "man thinking," and the pronouns "his" and "himself." This exposes Emerson's hypocrisy and reveals that he is not a true scholar or a man thinking. According to Emerson, a scholar should gather information from society and utilize it to form their own opinions (Section II).

During this time, society viewed women as intellectually inferior to men. However, women writers such as Mary Rowlandson, Elizabeth Ashbridge, and Sarah Kemble Knight were producing narratives that were just as impressive as those written by men. They demonstrated that they possessed the same level of intellect as men. Unfortunately, Emerson fails to acknowledge and give women the recognition and equality they deserve. "In the degenerate state, when society oppresses someone, they tend to become a mere follower of others' thoughts, or even worse, a parrot repeating other men's ideas" (Before Section I).

Emerson's ideas on gender equality have made him into the very parrot he describes. In today's society, these ideas may seem extreme and unfamiliar, particularly in America. The issue of equality between men and women is highly noticeable. Although America has its flaws in this realm, it is

steadily improving day by day. Emerson would be astonished to witness how women have risen to the top of various aspects of life - including the household, professional careers, politics, and internationally. This is not to disregard the struggles that men have faced, but the challenges endured by women have been more difficult and have cultivated a sense of solidarity that men do not appear to share with each other.

Therefore, if a new theme were to be developed for the Scholar at this moment, the most significant aspect to alter would involve the perception of women within society.

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