Ralph Waldo Emerson: "Nature"
             Emerson's "Nature" is an essay of a startling philosophy. Emerson opens our minds to a world, in most cases, forgotten. The isolation of humanity from its natural world and the loss of man's connection to it, creates a widening crevice between man and the unison of man's individuality with nature. Emerson discovers the divinity, the tranquility, and the oneness flowing through nature and shares it through his essay. In "Nature," Emerson displays the overwhelming sense of unity, harmony, and the blending of man's identity with the divine essence of nature.
             Ralph Waldo Emerson was born in Boston, Mass. on May 25, 1803. He graduated from Harvard College in 1821. In 1829, he joined the Unitarian Ministry. He soon became doubtful and unsure of Christian writings and teachings. After his wife died in 1831, his doubts overcame him. Therefore, in 1832, he resigned from the Unitarians in hope of finding a philosophy that fit him and creation. Christianity was too traditional and impersonal (Galenet Online).
             It was only a few years later that Emerson would leave his lasting mark on the world. In 1836, Emerson helped initiate the Transcendentalist movement by publishing "Nature." His other works were mostly a further explanation of his essential philosophy found in "Nature." Several other works include "Self-Reliance," "The American Scholar," and "The Conduct of Life." Ralph Waldo Emerson died on April 27, 1882 in Concord, Mass (Galenet Online).
             Criticism of "Nature" not only informs us of the quality of the work, but also helps the reader learn more about the author and his work. Emerson used the difference between reason and understanding to formulate his scheme of "Nature" and its connection with humanity. Emerson utilizes Coleridge's explanation of the differenc...