Emerson and Whitman Views of Self
"What is man anyhow? What am I? What are you?" asks Whitman. Who we are, what our purpose is and what the meaning of life is are all mysteries that man has tried to solve from his earliest history. Whitman and Emerson explore these ideas in their works, Song of Myself and Self Reliance. Whitman, an American poet, and Emerson, an American philosopher, take different approaches in their search for self-discovery, yet within their solutions, many parallels can be found.Emerson's message is one of non-conformity and individuality. He views every man as unique within, and feels society, exterior elements and tradition are man's downfall. He urges us to be a product of ourselves, to live in the present, rather than measure our worth against man's past accomplishments or live by old ideas.There is contrast in Whitman's view, which embraces all society, and that which surrounds
From Whitman' celebration of life to Emerson's wisdom that greatness comes from within, both works are a superior exploration of self from two men who have reached the highest level of self-actualization. "The two express similar ideas about God- who or what he is, and where he can be found. These scholars, in their quest for excellence both revert back to simplicity. In two very similar quotes, Emerson describes, "The roses under my window make no reference to former roses. I do not call one greater and one smaller, That which fills it's period and place is equal to any. He speaks of the sameness of man and sees himself in everyone, while Emerson stresses each man as different and apart from one another. He says a child conforms to no one, but rather all conform to the child. Bibliography Walt Whitman, "Song of Myself"Ralph Waldo Emerson, "Self Reliance". God is found in all nature- we are one with nature and God. " This quote nearly encompasses Whitman's own ideas of God and nature. " Also complimenting each other are their ideas of great men throughout history. Emerson speaks of man's nature, or natural law: "No law is sacred than that of my own nature.
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