Ralph Waldo Emerson was one of greatest writers of the 19th century, and being a Transcendentalist, he was a firm believer in nature and using one's instincts rather than reason. His point of view is one that could help our society today.
             Emerson once said, "The reward of a thing well done is to have done it." I feel he is trying to say that best thing about doing something well, is the fact that you did it. A lot of times today people choose not to do something because it is bothersome to them. If they would just see how great it is once they have accomplished it, it wouldn't be so difficult to begin. Many people are not in very good shape. They know they should go out and run or exercise in some way to take better care of themselves, but they don't do anything about it because exercise is difficult. Although after completing a good workout they feel great. Emerson's quote could be an inspiration for many to accomplish things they continue to put off.
             Another of Emerson's quotes, which coincides with the first is, "Hitch your wagon to a star." In this statement, he is saying to aim high, or try to do the best you possibly can. When someone sets a goal for himself or herself, they should try to surpass their highest expectations, and no just barely complete it. Students would do better in school, and workers would achieve more in their jobs.
             Like other writers of his time, Emerson wrote to inspire people. The transcendentalists believed in inspiration and ecstasy, among many others. Not too many people have heard this type of viewpoint, but it would motive them to do better in life. Just by getting up and doing something that has been put off and having high hopes for it, someone could be more confident and do more in life.
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