Nearly two hundred years ago Ralph Waldo Emerson delivered a speech to a group of Scholars, it was his intention to motivate and inspire. He expressed his beliefs in a way that was objectionable to some and encouraging to others. Each man was given a chance to examine his life and the life’s of their predecessors.Emerson shaped his speech, and bent the words around in a beautiful collage; he quickly established a mood that was felt throughout the room. Scholars understood that he had a very important message to deliver and they prepared for an address like no other.The speech is difficult and abstract; on the first read it takes you in a million directions giving an impression of understanding. To comprehend “The American Scholar” you should break it into three sections. First we need to recognize the scholar’s resources: nature, classification, and the presents of spirit. Second, we need to examine the duties associated with being a scholar: trust, honor, and the ability to dedicate ourselves to the institution in which we belong. Third, we need to go beyond our old ways of thinking we need to create a unique culture and traditions distinctive to this new Country.Emerson explains that nature has a great deal of influence on our minds and bodies, it’s a resource that’s in abundance and untouched, it has no beginning and no ending. We need to understand that there is a direct connection between spirit and nature. Both revolve and exist in neutral space, and until we open our mind and allow it to influence us that’s where it will stay. The thought that spirit and nature exist in each one of us is somewhat perplexing. I feel that the old and the wise easily recognize it and the young find it nearly impossible to obtain, on the other hand I sense that Emerson is empowering the gentleman in the room and encouraging them to find a more spiritual side. Nature is an important resource to t...
