“Self-Reliance”

• Who was Ralph Waldo Emerson?

  Was one of the first American transcendentalists, an influential writer and thinker known for his emphasis on individualism.
• What significant life experience influenced Emerson's independent thinking?

  Emerson lived with his aunt during his childhood, who taught him how to think independently.
• What professional role did Emerson hold in 1829, and what led him to resign?

  Emerson became a Christian pastor in Boston in 1829 but resigned due to a spiritual crisis following the death of his wife in 1832.
• Where did Emerson settle after returning to the United States, and what did he focus on?

  After returning in 1833, Emerson settled in Concord, Massachusetts, to begin his writing career.
• What was the title of Emerson's 1836 publication that outlined his philosophical ideals?

  Emerson published "Nature," which presented the ideals of transcendentalism.
• How was Emerson viewed within the Transcendental Club?

  Emerson's ideas and works were well respected and admired both within and outside the Transcendental Club, establishing him as a prominent leader of transcendentalism.
• What was Emerson's motto, and from which essay does it originate?

  Emerson's motto was "trust thyself," which comes from his essay "Self-Reliance."
• How did Emerson contribute to the spread of transcendentalist ideas?

  Emerson became a popular transcendental lecturer, sharing his philosophy and encouraging others to embrace self-reliance and individuality.