Nature: Transcendentalism In Ralph Waldo Emerson's Life

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In his book, Nature, Ralph Waldo Emerson writes, “In the wilderness, I find something more dear and connate than in streets or villages” (1). Emerson was an avid nature lover who lived, for most of his life, in beautiful wilderness. Many of Emerson’s works vividly document his magnificent, breath-taking experiences. This book leaves the reader desiring the feel of nature that Emerson felt and yearning for nature’s peaceful effect on one’s life. “In the wilderness, I find something more dear and connate than in streets or villages,” relates to transcendentalism as it provokes the action of gaining knowledge from adventures in a serene place like the great outdoors (1). The quote preceding carries out the theme of escaping urban society to seek understanding and peace of mind in a different environment. Nature illustrates an examination of the delicate relationship between an individual and the natural world created by God. Furthermore, Emerson delves into his developing relationship with God through witnessing nature and everything it encompasses. Emerson describes his feeling of pure awe as nature’s elegance absorbs him. …show more content…

When Emerson walked down a city street, he did not come across anything extraordinary; nothing caught his eye or provoked him to meditate on his life, leaving him unsatisfied. The exuberant knowledge that Emerson attained, which modern society widely abandoned, was acquired through spending time in nature throughout his life. At one point in Emerson’s life, he left the woods; nonetheless, Emerson returned once he realized what was he was missing in his life. In today’s world, most people who leave cities or towns in an attempt to live more rurally would most likely never return to urban areas; however, convincing citizens to make such a transition is

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