Christine Sloss
English 48A
Dr.Scott Lankford
October 24,2011
Journal:Ralph Waldo Emerson
Author Quote: “The power which resides in him is new in nature, and none but he knows what that is which he can do, nor does he know until he has tried.”
Internet Quote: “Be not the slave of your own past. Plunge into the sublime seas, dive deep and swim far, so you shall come back with self-respect, with new power, with an advanced experience that shall explain and overlook the old.”
Brief summary of what the author is saying in my own words: When Emerson speaks of the power being new, he is talking about a new self awareness, a new found confidence within. This new “power” is not obvious to an outsiders, nor has it been fully understood by the person at hand, at least not until he is confronted with a worthy opponent, will he then realize his full potential.
bmy ideas/reactions/responses to the author’s ideas: I feel Emerson could inspire and motivate any person within the reach of his teaching. What he discusses in the essay “self-reliance” is timeless advice. He is humble in his teachings, and his vision of spirituality is more than religion. Emerson captures the spirit, of body and soul, inspiring the imagination to contemplate it’s place in the universe, living, breathing, experiencing life, with purpose, entertaining the idea of the big picture. “We live in succession, in division, in parts, in particles. Meantime within man is the soul of the whole; the wise silence; the universal beauty, to which every part and particle is equally related, the eternal ONE.” Emerson's Aunt (Mary Moody Emerson) had a lot to do with his way of thinking, she was an incredible woman, “She instilled in him, her habit of daily journal writing and continual reading for self-education. She encouraged him to read poetry, delight in nature, and take risks, commanding, “[S]corn trifles, lift your aims: do what you are afraid to do” Emerson took those practices to heart and pushed himself to always be purposeful, in his writings, poetry, and lectures. He often would take the time for self reflexion and journal about the experience. And I believe Emerson did know himself, at least more than most of that time, his journals to this day are studied and admired. He had the confidence in his beliefs, enough to influence others, and he had done so by more than fifteen hundred lectures over the course of his career, traveling through out America and Europe, Ireland, England, and even Egypt. Emerson’s impact on the world caused people to think how each person can make a difference, and with this power he brought light and change to women rights and emancipation of slaves. I have found myself influenced and smitten by him, he has gift to share that will be everlasting though out our lifetime and many more.
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