Primary Source Analysis (Between Emerson and Thoreau) Essay

primeval Source Analysis (Between Emerson and Thoreau) - Essay ExampleThis essay examines Emersons Nature and passages from Thoreaus Walden, arguing that these texts reimagine our epistemological connection with the Universe through poeticalally reframing the way we approach character and our philosophical relation to record and humilitary personnelity. One of the most prominent connections betwixt the texts is the need to view nature through a poetic lens. In this way, both Emerson and Thoreau distinguish between forms of interacting with nature with this poetic lens, and modes where nature is viewed only for its utility. Emerson indicates, His relation to natureis through the understanding, as by gentlemanure, the economic use of fire, wind, water, and the mariners needle (Emerson, p. 7). This distinction between the poetic view of nature and the economic view of nature is also echoed in Thoreau. Thoreau writes, I arrive frequently seen a poet withdraw, having enjoyed the mo st valuable part of a farm, while the crusty farmer had hypothetic that he had got a few wild apples only (Thoreau, p. 3). In both instances there is the recognition that mans transcendental interaction with nature must occur under the auspices of poetic observation. other coinciding element between both texts is a consideration of mans relation to history. ... wherefore should not we have a poetry and philosophy of insight and not of tradition, and a religion by make whoopieation to us, and not the history of theirs? (Emerson, p. 3). Later in the text Emerson indicates that the existence of a common man in 19th century America is just as glorious as Julius Caesars existence. In this way Emerson is indicating that mans search for truth and meaning should be rooted in their relationship with nature over their relationship history. To an extent Thoreau embraces Emersons epistemological positioning of nature as transcending history. Thoreau writes, I have been as sincere a worshippe r of Aurora as the Greeks (Thoreau, p. 5). Still, Thoreau seems more willing to revel in the way that nature brings man into a direction connection with historical precedent. In all instance there is the The means that the texts explore the way man interacts with nature represents another significant consideration. Emerson distinctly embraces a phenomenological connection with nature and subsequently the universe. He indicates, The foundations of man are not in matter, only when in spirit. But the element of spirit is eternity (Emerson, p. 6). In addition to indicating this means of connecting with nature, Emerson articulates a outcome of dimensions to his perspective, including notions of the Soul. While Emerson works to create a pantheon of spirituality through reference to the Soul, Thoreau works more to lay out appropriate ways for man to consider their place in the world and their relation to nature. In wizard instance Thoreau describes his entrance into town. He comments , When I meet the engine with its train of cars moving off with telluric motion, -- or rather like a comet, for the beholder knows not if with that velocity