Ralph Waldo EmersonAuthor, philosopher
B. 1803 D. 1882 Testimony: In their Own WordsTo be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment. |
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- Founder of the Transcendentalism movement (using nature and internal reflection rather than religion to shape your beliefs and give life meaning)
- Wrote "Self-Reliance" which encouraged people to be free individuals.
- Mentor to Henry David Thoreau
- As a young man, was at a religious meeting where there was a slave auction going on outside. He was disturbed by this.
- Left his job as a church pastor because he questioned the styles of prayer and church services, thinking they were too old fashioned.
- For most of his adult life, gave lectures on a variety of topics, but most related to his transcendental ideas
- Close friend Bronson Alcott starts a commune; Emerson does not think it will be successful but applauds the "idea" of the commune.
- Was anti-slavery, and lectured against it. He let John Brown stay in his home.
- Wrote "Self-Reliance" which encouraged people to be free individuals.
- Mentor to Henry David Thoreau
- As a young man, was at a religious meeting where there was a slave auction going on outside. He was disturbed by this.
- Left his job as a church pastor because he questioned the styles of prayer and church services, thinking they were too old fashioned.
- For most of his adult life, gave lectures on a variety of topics, but most related to his transcendental ideas
- Close friend Bronson Alcott starts a commune; Emerson does not think it will be successful but applauds the "idea" of the commune.
- Was anti-slavery, and lectured against it. He let John Brown stay in his home.
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