Ralph waldo emerson summary

Ralph Waldo Emerson (May 25, 1803 – April 27, 1882) was an American essayist, lecturer, and poet, who was a leading figure of the Transcendentalist movement of the mid-19th century. He was seen as a champion of individualism, liberty and freedom of thought.

He was a prolific essayist and speaker, giving over 1,500 public lectures in the US. Nicknamed the Sage of Concord—he became the leading intellectual figure of the United States.

Early life

Ralph Waldo Emerson was born in Boston in 1803, the son of a Unitarian Minister.

His father died when he was young (8 years old) and he had to support his education through doing part-time jobs.

What was ralph waldo emerson known for

In October 1817, he went to Harvard, where he served as class poet, but he didn’t stand out as a student graduating in the middle of his class. After graduation, he went to Florida, seeking warmer climates for his delicate health.

Emerson worked as a schoolmaster and later as a pastor in Boston’s Second Church.

However, he gradually moved away fr