Transcendentalism was a literary movement characterized by nonconformity to contemporary society. Transcendentalists helped shape the individual narrative and encouraged people to find their own relationship with the earth surrounding them, rather than relying on conventional means to do so. It urged people to look out at the beauty of the world itself, rather than concentrate on their own being. One of the most prominent writers during this movement was Ralph Waldo Emerson.

Emerson was born on May 25th, 1830. Emerson’s father died of cancer when he was only 8, leaving him to be heavily influenced by his mother. Eventually, he attended Harvard College, where he nurtured a love for literature. After graduating, he went to Florida for the warmer weather, where he would often write poems on the beach, and meet important figures such as Prince Achille Murat. Eventually, he went to his mother’s house to help his brother, William, teach a group of young women. As time passed, he decided to attend the Harvard Divinity School, and when he graduated he worked in the now famous Daniel Webster’s law practice.

However, as time continued and his physical and mental health deteriorated, he left the practice and went on to take a job at a church in Boston, where he served as its junior pastor. During this time, his wife had died, and he started doubting his own beliefs. He later resigned in 1832, then went to explore Europe. He even visited Voltaire’s home, though he had no love for the writer.

Emerson soon returned to Massachusetts, where he lived with his mother. He remarried, and when his mother died, inherited a sizeable fortune to care for his family. It was during this time when he published his first major work entitled Nature. Later on, he would publish his now famous speech The American Scholar, encouraging American writers to create a new literary style instead of relying on Europe. He began inspiring other students, including Henry David Thoreau, by encouraging them to keep a journal of their own thoughts. He kept publishing more and more, though nearing the end of his life, he began suffering memory problems. He secluded himself from society and died on April 27th, 1882. He was buried in the Sleepy Hollow Cemetery.

Much of Emerson’s radical beliefs influenced his writing, which left a legacy for other writers to follow. Nicknamed the Sage of Concord, he became a leading figure in the transcendentalist movement and promoted individualism and freedom. He was a prized lecturer and an incredible motivational speaker. Not only this, but he continued to influence major poets and writers, from Nathaniel Hawthorne and Herman Melville, to Robert Frost and Wallace Stevens.

Emerson is a literary giant. He is continually remembered throughout history as a precious teacher and wise writer. Many have even fallen in love with his work, and strive to be as prominent as he was. He was beloved by both his students and other aspiring writers, and serves as an artistic beacon for them, even in death.