THE AMERICAN SCHOLAR BY EMERSON

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Ralph Waldo Emerson’s “The American Scholar” is an influential essay based on a speech he delivered on August 31, 1837, at Harvard University. It is often considered a call for intellectual independence and self-reliance among American thinkers. Emerson emphasizes the importance of individuality and the need for American scholars to break free from European influences to create a distinct national literature.

Summary

1. The Need for Intellectual Independence

Emerson begins by defining the scholar’s role in society, comparing humanity to a giant whose parts (different social classes) serve different functions. He states:

“The millions that around us are rushing into life cannot always be fed on the sere remains of foreign harvests.”

This implies that Americans should not rely on European traditions but must develop their own intellectual and literary identity.

He describes the scholar as “Man Thinking”, someone who seeks truth and does not passively accept inherited knowledge:

“In the right state, he is Man Thinking. In the degenerate state, when the victim of society, he tends to become a mere thinker, or still worse, the parrot of other men’s thinking.”

2. The Three Main Influences on the Scholar

Emerson outlines three primary influences that shape a scholar:

A. Nature

Nature is the greatest teacher, and through observing it, the scholar learns universal truths:

“To the young mind, everything is individual, stands by itself. By and by it finds how to join two things and see in them one nature; then three, then three thousand; and so the child comes to think that things exist for him and not he for them.”

Emerson argues that understanding nature leads to understanding the self and the universe, promoting deeper wisdom.

B. The Past (Books and History)

Books are valuable but can also be dangerous if they encourage blind imitation rather than original thought. He warns against excessive reliance on past wisdom:

“Books are the best of things, well used; abused, among the worst.”

“Each age, it is found, must write its own books; or rather, each generation for the next succeeding.”

Instead of copying past works, scholars must think critically and contribute new ideas.

C. Action

A scholar must not remain isolated in study but should engage with the world through action:

“Only so much do I know, as I have lived.”

Learning from experience is just as important as reading books, and true wisdom comes from applying knowledge in real life.

3. The Dangers of Conformity

Emerson criticizes societal pressure that forces people into conformity. He urges scholars to be independent thinkers and warns against intellectual laziness:

“The world is nothing, the man is all; in yourself is the law of all nature.”

“Fear never but you shall be consistent in whatever variety of actions, so they each be honest and natural in their hour.”

He encourages scholars to embrace their unique perspectives rather than simply repeating conventional ideas.

4. The Responsibilities of the American Scholar

Emerson calls upon American scholars to break away from European traditions and establish a uniquely American voice in literature and philosophy:

“We will walk on our own feet; we will work with our own hands; we will speak our own minds.”

This appeal for originality and self-reliance became a foundational idea in American intellectual thought.

Themes in "The American Scholar"

  1. Self-Reliance – Scholars must develop their own ideas rather than depending on past knowledge.
  2. The Role of Nature – Nature is a powerful source of learning and inspiration.
  3. The Importance of Action – Knowledge must be applied to life to be meaningful.
  4. Rejection of Conformity – Society pressures individuals to conform, but true scholars must resist and think independently.
  5. American Intellectual Independence – Emerson advocates for a uniquely American voice in literature and philosophy.

Conclusion

“The American Scholar” is a call for intellectual independence, urging American thinkers to break free from European traditions, engage with nature, and take action in the world. Emerson’s ideas greatly influenced the American Renaissance and continue to inspire scholars and writers today. His message of self-reliance and originality remains relevant for those seeking intellectual and creative freedom.

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