The Effects of Nature

Emerson's contemporaries would probably applaud his views on the effects of nature. Most of them thought quite highly of Emerson and held his work in high esteem. Several of them also tried to convene with nature as he did. While one may interpret that Emerson finds tranquility only away from societal confines, it is clear that his communion with nature simply serves to cleanse and refresh his soul, which is often weighted down with the demands and confines of society. Many people feel this was a progressive view at the time, yet actually, a century ago people relied and utilized more things from nature than we do today, from medicine to our modern conviences. People in the 1900's certainly spent more time in nature than we do today, so I wonder what Emerson would say about our society? I think his progressive views of nature at that time would actually have encouraged his contemporaries to also experience and behold the beauty he encountered in the woods. In fact, we know this to be the case with Thoureau, at least.

I believe the implications of these ideas upon Emerson's theories of society are mixed. He obviously find the experience of being in the wilderness ultimately fulfilling and, in a sense, cathartic. It seems as though he views society's constraints as stifling to the individual and their capacity to truly appreciate themselves, as well as the world around them. Yet, I don't think he veiws all of society as negative and evil. There are obvious benefits of contact and existence in society, as Emerson himself shows, being an active partcipant in his social sphere. Emerson's ideas may simply serve to remind everyone that humankind can more fully appreciate one another and their world if occasionally they are renewed by experiencing the beauty of what is around them.