Ralph Waldo Emerson, a key figure in the American romantic movement, championed individualism and critical thinking. His essays, including 'Self-Reliance' and 'The Poet', influenced many writers and poets. Emerson's philosophy of Transcendentalism emphasized individuality, freedom, and the connection between the soul and the world.
Emerson stresses the importance of guiding and disciplining children to help them discover their unique gifts and powers, rather than encouraging conformity or imitation. He believes that education should focus on nurturing each child's individual nature and equipping them with knowledge that aligns with their natural inclinations.
Emerson criticizes the concept of mass education, advocating instead for a more personalized approach to teaching. He argues that educating individuals one by one, with reverence and respect for their unique qualities, is essential for true learning and growth.
The quote emphasizes the importance of a broad and diverse education for every student.
Nietzsche was influenced by Emerson's essays, particularly 'History' and 'Self-Reliance', which he read in German translations. He expressed feeling a strong connection to Emerson's ideas.
Ralph Waldo Emerson discusses the concept of history and the relationship between the human mind and historical events in his famous essay.
Ralph Waldo Emerson, a major American philosopher of the nineteenth century, was born on May 25, 1803. He became a central figure of American thought and his works are widely known for their quotable style and influence on American literature and philosophy.
Ralph Waldo Emerson, an American essayist, lecturer, philosopher, and poet, was born on August 31, 1803. He was a key figure in the transcendentalist movement and his works emphasized individualism, self-reliance, and the power of nature.
On April 26, 1807, Ralph Waldo Emerson's brother John Clarke passed away.
A book written by Ralph Waldo Emerson in 1809 focusing on the life and character of Napoleon Bonaparte.
Less than three months after the birth of his eighth child, Rev. William Emerson dies of stomach cancer.
On August 4, 1812, Ralph Waldo Emerson faced another tragedy as his father passed away, shaping his future perspectives and writings.
On August 4, 1817, he started his education at Boston Latin School.
On June 4, 1820, he began his studies at Harvard College.
Ralph Waldo Emerson completes his studies and graduates.
Ralph Waldo Emerson's first work is published.
After Harvard, Emerson helped his brother William in a school for young women at their mother's house in Chelmsford, Massachusetts.
On August 4, 1825, he commenced writing his initial journal entries.
Emerson leaves his teaching job and sails south for the winter to Charleston, South Carolina and St. Augustine, Florida in order to restore his failing health. He returns to Boston in June.
In the winter of 1827, at the age of 23, Ralph Waldo Emerson first encountered slavery when he went south for his health.
In January-February 1828, Ralph Waldo Emerson reflected on the diverse occupations of his neighbors, noting their involvement in commercial speculations, political contention, and scholarly pursuits.
Emerson becomes engaged to Ellen Louisa Tucker, whom he met the previous year.
In 1829, before reading Cousin, Ralph Waldo Emerson had already expressed views in his private Journals indicating his acceptance of the idea that Human Nature and Human Beings exhibit three distinct aspects and orientations.
Emerson was ordained as the junior pastor at Boston's Second Church on January 11, 1829.
Emerson joins Second Church, Boston as a colleague pastor. He is ordained and soon promoted to pastor of the church.
On September 10, 1829, Ralph Waldo Emerson marries Ellen Tucker.
Emerson marries Ellen Tucker.
In February 1831, Ellen Tucker passes away due to tuberculosis.
On December 4, 1831, he enrolled in Harvard Divinity School for further studies.
On October 28, 1832, Ralph Waldo Emerson preaches the 'Last Supper' sermon and resigns from Second Church.
On December 4, 1832, Ralph Waldo Emerson's wife passed away, marking a significant personal loss for the renowned American philosopher and writer.
On December 25, 1832, Ralph Waldo Emerson embarks on his first trip to Italy, France, England, and Scotland.
Emerson gave his first lecture on 'The Uses of Natural History' on November 5, 1833, in Boston, setting out his beliefs and ideas.
On November 15, 1833, Ralph Waldo Emerson delivers his first public lecture titled 'The Uses of Natural History' in Boston. This marks the beginning of a successful lecture career that spans almost five decades.
In 1833, on December 4, Ralph Waldo Emerson embarked on a journey to Europe, a significant event that would broaden his horizons and influence his philosophical perspectives.
Emerson departed Europe on Christmas Day, 1833, and arrived back in the United States.
On October 1, 1834, Ralph Waldo Emerson's brother Edward passed away unexpectedly at the age of 29. Edward was known for saying 'the arrow of the angel had gone too deep'.
After the death of his brother Edward, Emerson relocates to Concord, Massachusetts on December 9, 1834. This move establishes his permanent residence in Concord, earning him the title 'the sage of Concord' due to his association with transcendentalism.
On January 24, 1835, Ralph Waldo Emerson wrote a letter to Lydia Jackson asking for her hand in marriage. She accepted his proposal by mail on January 28.
On January 29, 1835, Ralph Waldo Emerson initiates his first lecture series titled 'Biography' in Boston, showcasing his oratory skills and intellectual pursuits.
On September 12, 1835, Emerson delivered a lecture to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the town of Concord.
Two days after his lecture, on September 14, 1835, Emerson married Lydia Jackson in her hometown of Plymouth, Massachusetts, and they moved to their new home in Concord together with Emerson's mother on September 15.
On December 4, 1835, Ralph Waldo Emerson started his career as a lecturer, marking the beginning of his influential public speaking engagements that would shape his legacy.
In May 1836, Ralph Waldo Emerson's brother Charles passed away.
On September 9, 1836, Ralph Waldo Emerson publishes his renowned essay 'Nature,' introducing his profound thoughts on the universal presence in nature. This publication also leads to the formation of the Transcendental Club.
On October 30, 1836, Ralph Waldo Emerson and Lydia welcome their first son, named Waldo, marking a joyous addition to their family.
On December 4, 1836, he married his second wife.
Emerson's 'Concord Hymn', written for Concord's Independence Day celebration in 1837, was read and sung as a hymn, reflecting his patriotic and literary contributions.
The Phi Beta Kappa Address, also known as the American Scholar, was published in Boston by James Munroe. It was delivered before the Phi Beta Kappa Society at Cambridge on August 31, 1837.
On July 15, 1838, Ralph Waldo Emerson gives the 'Divinity School Address' at Harvard, challenging traditional religious beliefs and advocating for individual spiritual experience.
On February 24, 1839, Ralph Waldo Emerson and Lydia celebrate the birth of their second child, a daughter named Ellen Tucker Emerson, honoring Emerson's first wife through the name.
Ralph Waldo Emerson starts writing for The Dial with Margaret Fuller as the editor, and the first issue is released on July 1, 1840.
Ralph Waldo Emerson's collection of essays, including "Self-Reliance" and "The Over-Soul", is published on March 20, 1841.
On April 26, 1841, Henry David Thoreau moved into Ralph Waldo Emerson's home for a two-year stay. During this time, he took on the role of a household handyman and a father figure when Emerson was away on lecture tours.
On August 11, 1841, Ralph Waldo Emerson delivered an oration titled The Method of Nature before the Society of the Adelphi at Waterville College in Maine. The oration was published in Boston by Samuel G. Simpkins.
On November 22, 1841, Ralph Waldo Emerson's daughter, Edith, was born.
On December 4, 1841, he published the book 'Nature'.
Emerson and his wife welcome their third child, daughter Edith.
On December 4, 1842, he published all of his Essays.
In 1843, Ralph Waldo Emerson delivered a lecture series titled 'New England' in various cities including Baltimore, New York, Philadelphia, and Newark.
Emerson's fourth child, son Edward Waldo Emerson, is born. Around the same time, Emerson publishes Essays: Second Series and delivers his first anti-slavery lecture.
By August 1, 1844, at a lecture in Concord, Emerson openly declared his support for the abolitionist movement. He credited the movement for sparking discussions on practical ethics.
On October 19, 1844, Ralph Waldo Emerson's 'Essays: Second Series' was published and gained significant popularity.
In 1845, Henry David Thoreau starts living in a self-built cabin located on Walden Pond, which is situated on Ralph Waldo Emerson's property. He resides there for 2 years and 2 months with the intention of living intentionally and in harmony with nature.
Emerson's poem "Hamatreya" was published in 1846 and explores themes of land ownership, nature, and the transient nature of human existence. It reflects his transcendentalist beliefs.
Emerson's collection Poems is published in the U.S. and England.
In September 1849, Ralph Waldo Emerson's work 'Nature; Addresses and Lectures' was published again, showcasing his philosophical ideas and insights.
On December 4, 1850, his son passed away.
On May 3, 1851, Emerson delivered a speech in Concord, Massachusetts, condemning the Fugitive Slave Act. He expressed strong opposition to the law, emphasizing the importance of self-respect and moral integrity.
In February 1852, Ralph Waldo Emerson, along with James Freeman Clarke and William Henry Channing, edited an edition of Margaret Fuller's works and letters after her passing. The publication, 'The Memoirs of Margaret Fuller Ossoli', became a bestseller despite being heavily censored.
On November 16, 1853, Ralph Waldo Emerson's mother, Ruth Haskins Emerson, passes away at the age of 85 at Emerson's home.
In April 1854, Ralph Waldo Emerson delivers lectures on poetry at Harvard Divinity School.
In 1855, Walt Whitman published 'Leaves of Grass' and sent a copy to Emerson for feedback. Emerson's positive response, including a flattering letter, boosted Whitman's work and led to a second edition.
On December 4, 1856, Ralph Waldo Emerson published 'English Traits'. The book explores the characteristics of the English people and their society.
In the summer of 1858, James Russell Lowell and William Stillman organized a camping trip to the Adirondack Mountains with a group of intellectuals, including Ralph Waldo Emerson. This event, known as the 'Philosophers Camp', marked a significant moment in the 19th-century intellectual movement, connecting nature with art and literature.
On May 27, 1859, Ralph Waldo Emerson's brother, Bulkeley, passes away.
On December 4, 1860, Ralph Waldo Emerson published 'The Conduct of Life'. This work delves into philosophical ideas on how to live a fulfilling and ethical life.
In 1861, Ralph Waldo Emerson was mobbed at Tremont Temple by pro-slavery agitators, reflecting the tensions and conflicts surrounding the issue of slavery during that time.
On January 31, 1862, Ralph Waldo Emerson delivered a public lecture at the Smithsonian in Washington, D.C. During this lecture, he expressed his views on slavery and emancipation, emphasizing the importance of freedom. Emerson's stance on these issues reflected his strong beliefs in social justice.
On February 1, 1862, Ralph Waldo Emerson met with President Abraham Lincoln at the White House. This meeting had a significant impact on Emerson's perception of Lincoln, softening his initial misgivings. Emerson's admiration for Lincoln grew as he recognized the president's leadership during a tumultuous period in American history.
On May 6, 1862, Ralph Waldo Emerson delivered a eulogy for his protégé Henry David Thoreau, who passed away at the age of 44. Despite their past differences, Emerson considered Thoreau his best friend. Emerson's tribute to Thoreau highlighted their deep connection and shared values.
Emerson composes the 'Boston Hymn' to commend President Abraham Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation.
In 1865, Ralph Waldo Emerson's daughter Edith married William Hathaway Forbes.
In 1866, Ralph Waldo Emerson was honored with an honorary doctorate at Harvard College.
In 1867, May-Day and Other Pieces were published in Boston by Ticknor and Fields, as well as in London.
On September 13, 1868, Ralph Waldo Emerson's brother William passed away.
On December 4, 1870, Ralph Waldo Emerson published 'Society & Solitude'. This book discusses the importance of solitude and society in personal growth and self-reflection.
In April 1871, Ralph Waldo Emerson visited California and met with the renowned naturalist John Muir. Muir was captivated by Emerson's ideas and presence.
In May 1871, Ralph Waldo Emerson delivered his second lecture series at Harvard University, further sharing his philosophical insights with the academic community.
Emerson's home in Concord caught fire on July 24, 1872. Despite calling for help and trying to save objects, the fire was put out by Ephraim Bull Jr. and donations were collected to help the Emersons rebuild.
Emerson embarked on a trip to England, continental Europe, and Egypt on October 23, 1872, accompanied by his daughter Ellen. His return to the United States was celebrated by the town of Concord upon his return.
Emerson returned to the United States on April 15, 1873, aboard the ship Olympus along with his daughter Ellen and friend Charles Eliot Norton. His return was celebrated by the town of Concord.
In late 1874, Emerson published an anthology of poetry titled 'Parnassus', which included works by various poets. Originally prepared in 1871, the anthology was delayed due to publisher requests for revisions.
In 1875, Harvard University awards Ralph Waldo Emerson with an honorary doctorate, recognizing his contributions to literature and philosophy.
The book 'Letters and Social Aims' was published in Boston by James R. Osgood and in London with an English title page dated 1876.
In 1878, a work titled 'The Fortune of the Republic' was published.
The Prose Works of Ralph Waldo Emerson was initially published in Boston by Fields, Osgood in two volumes, with a third volume added in 1879 by Houghton, Osgood.
On February 4, 1880, Ralph Waldo Emerson's book 'Letters and Social Aims' is published. This marks a significant literary contribution despite his declining health and cognitive abilities.
In February 1881, Ralph Waldo Emerson read a paper at the Massachusetts Historical Society on the death of Carlyle.
Ralph Waldo Emerson passed away on April 27, 1882.
The Complete Works of Ralph Waldo Emerson was published in Boston by Houghton Mifflin in 1883, edited by Edward Waldo Emerson.
In 1884, Ralph Waldo Emerson's works 'Lectures and Biographical Sketches' and 'Miscellanies' were published.
Oliver Wendell Holmes was active in the year 1885.
On November 13, 1892, Lydia Emerson, aged 90, passed away.
In 1893, 'Natural History of the Intellect' and 'Other Papers' by Ralph Waldo Emerson were published.
Emerson and Nietzsche's emphasis on the concept of the great man is explained by Cavell to be unrelated to the allocation of economic resources or political authority, contrary to Rawls' critique.
In 1903, Houghton, Mifflin began the publication of Centenary Edition of Emerson's writings, which was completed in 1904 with a total of twelve volumes published.
The Journals of Ralph Waldo Emerson, edited by Edward Waldo Emerson and Waldo Emerson Forbes, were published in ten volumes by Houghton, Mifflin in Boston.
Oscar W. Firkins published a book in 1915 about Ralph Waldo Emerson.
In 1930, Frederick Ives Carpenter published a book on Emerson and Asia in Cambridge, MA through Harvard University Press.
Young Emerson Speaks: Unpublished Discourses on Many Subjects, edited by Arthur Cushman McGiffert, Jr., was published by Houghton, Mifflin in Boston.
The Letters of Ralph Waldo Emerson, edited by Ralph L. Rusk, were published by Columbia University Press in New York. This collection did not include most of Emerson's earlier printed correspondence with notable figures like Carlyle, John Sterling, and others.
The book 'American Renaissance: Art and Expression in the Age of Emerson and Whitman' was published in 1941 by F. O. Matthiessen.
Ernst Toch includes Emerson's poem 'Good-Bye' as the sixth and final movement in his work The Inner Circle for mixed chorus a cappella in 1945.
Stephen Whicher's book 'Freedom and Fate: An Inner Life of Ralph Waldo Emerson' was published in 1953 in Philadelphia by University of Pennsylvania Press.
The Journals and Miscellaneous Notebooks of Ralph Waldo Emerson started being published by The Belknap Press of Harvard University Press in 1960 and the publication was completed in 1982. It consisted of a total of sixteen volumes.
The Correspondence of Emerson and Carlyle, edited by Joseph Slater, was published by Columbia University Press in 1964.
The Collected Works of Ralph Waldo Emerson began publication by The Belknap Press of Harvard University Press in 1971.
The Emerson String Quartet, established in 1976, took inspiration from Ralph Waldo Emerson, showcasing his lasting impact on the arts and culture.
Gay Wilson Allen published a book on Waldo Emerson in 1981.
In 1982, B. L. Packer wrote a book titled 'Emerson’s Fall' which explores the concept of decline or downfall associated with the philosopher Ralph Waldo Emerson.
In 1983, 'Essays and Lectures' edited by Joel Porte was published, compiling some of Ralph Waldo Emerson's significant works. The collection offers readers a comprehensive view of Emerson's essays and lectures.
Julie Ellison wrote a book in 1984 titled 'Emerson’s Romantic Style' discussing the romantic style of Ralph Waldo Emerson.
Richard Poirier published 'The Renewal of Literature: Emersonian Reflections' in 1987, discussing the impact of Emerson's ideas on literature and reflection.
A book titled 'Conditions Handsome and Unhandsome: The Constitution of Emersonian Perfectionism' was published in 1990 by the University of Chicago Press. It explores the concept of Emersonian perfectionism.
In 1992, Richard Poirier released 'Poetry and Pragmatism' which delves into the relationship between poetry and practicality, possibly influenced by Emersonian philosophy.
Yale University Press published a collection of Ralph Waldo Emerson's writings against slavery, edited by Len Gougeon and Joel Myerson.
In 1997, Carlos Baker published 'Emerson Among the Eccentrics: A Group Portrait', offering insights into Ralph Waldo Emerson's life and his impact on American philosophy. The book provides a unique perspective on Emerson's influence.
The entry for Ralph Waldo Emerson was first published on the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy on January 3, 2002.
The book 'The Later Lectures of Ralph Waldo Emerson' edited by Ronald Bosco and Joel Myerson was published by the University of Georgia Press in 2003.
In 2004, a book titled 'Emerson’s Transcendental Etudes' was published by Stanford University Press. It delves into the transcendental aspects of Emerson's work.
A timeline detailing the key events and milestones in the life of Ralph Waldo Emerson.
In May 2006, Harvard Divinity School announced the creation of the Emerson Unitarian Universalist Association Professorship, honoring Ralph Waldo Emerson's legacy in the field of divinity.
In 2007, B. L. Packer authored a book called 'The Transcendentalists' focusing on the philosophical movement of transcendentalism, which Emerson was a key figure of.
The book 'Emerson: Political Writings' edited by Kenneth Sacks was published by Cambridge University Press in 2008.
Branka Arsić and Carey Wolfe edited a book titled 'The Other Emerson' in 2010.
The Annotated Emerson, edited by David Mikics, was published in Cambridge, MA by Harvard University Press in 2012.
Kaija Saariaho's True Fire for baritone and orchestra in 2014 uses three fragments from Emerson's essay Spiritual Laws as the backbone of the work, collaging texts from various sources.
Joseph Urbas' book 'Emerson’s Metaphysics' was released in 2016, delving into the metaphysical aspects of Ralph Waldo Emerson's work.
The book 'The Philosophy of Ralph Waldo Emerson' was published in 2021 in New York and London by Routledge.
The entry for Ralph Waldo Emerson underwent a substantive revision on October 21, 2022, on the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy.
In 2024, the Ralph Waldo Emerson Institute was established by CreativeThemes.