Emerson was an American writer, philosopher, and teacher who contributed a significant amount to the American culture. He was a prolific poet and essayist who helped shape American thought during the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. His philosophy centered on the idea that all truths are best discovered through personal experience. He also advocated for non-conformity and self-reliance. His Transcendentalist writings were influential for many people in the twentieth century. Among the major influences on his work were Henry David Thoreau and Friedrich Nietzsche.
Emerson began losing his memory in his late-life. He also stopped making public appearances. Eventually, he died in 1882. He was buried in the Sleepy Hollow Cemetery in Concord, Massachusetts. His most famous work, Leaves of Grass, was published in 1851.
Emerson also used his writings to create communities that he felt were like-minded. He organized a literary community in Concord. His book “English Traits” was inspired by his 1847-1848 trip to Britain. Emerson advocated for the abolition of slavery, and he lectured extensively in the 1850s. He spoke at nearly 80 public events before his death in 1882.
Emerson’s influence on American society was so broad that he became a saint in New England. His reputation was such that his death prompted an outpouring of paeans and tributes, and it led to a debate on the greatness of his ideas. In response to this debate, Emerson’s work was critically evaluated.
