Ralph Waldo Emerson’s “Nature”

Ralph Waldo Emerson’s essay “Nature” is the foundation of transcendentalism. It puts forth, a belief system that promotes a non-traditional appreciation of nature. This essay says that Transcendentalism suggests that we can only understand reality through studying nature. Nature is an experience of desolation. Emerson says that when one desires to be alone, they can look at the stars because the stars promote a feeling of respect; for they linger unreachable.  All matters in nature demand such an attitude of wisdom, joy and ease. Emerson also insists on the importance of this link between man and nature.  This power of happiness is not due only to nature, but to man as well, therefore the harmony between the two. He claims that in fact, because of our exchange with nature, we become a big part of God. Finally, Emerson expresses that we have to use the pleasure of nature in measure because "Nature always wears the colors of the spirit".

Emerson’s take on nature is very humble, and appreciative. He expresses his gratitude for the wisdom, power, joy, and ease we find in it, along with the respect we generally approach and take with us from nature. In many ways I would agree with Emerson in his take and claim on nature. I would say it definitely gives men a certain peace that no other matter can. The harmony that humans get from our in sync relationship with it is so divine I would agree that part of us is one with nature. However I would disagree with his claim saying that we become a part of God. I believe that God created nature and is superior over it, not one with nature. Although we are made in the image of God, and we are nature God is outside of nature and far greater.