i like the guy so much, but...

It is disheartening to hear Emerson confine his feeling of one-ness to the "wilderness." This may have something to do with the interference of the obligations and restrictions present in more populated areas. Even yogis and gurus opt for the serenity of unadulterated (by man, that is) nature. But it is the true test of the spirit, and of one's beliefs if one can find a universal quality in all aspects of life.

I feel quite ignorant of the mindset of his contemporaries, and unqualified to transcend my "cultural capital" in this case. But to surmise how Emerson's piece might have be received, I would think that it would be considered inspiringly romantic, but impractical or extreme. Emerson's idea of RE-communing with nature is something that many can aspire to, but few have the opportunity to actualize. Spirituality, taken seriously, is something involved in all facets of life. I don't know how many people would be willing to accept this integration fully, so as not to trivialize and only pan it for transient moments of fulfillment.

The other disturbing implication of Emerson's idea is the disintegration of personal relationships with humans. In order to achieve a true sense of unity, I believe you must make a connection with all things, including, if not especially, human beings. Emerson implies isolation, but there is something very unnatural about disposing away with human contact. At minimum, sexual relationships must be acknowledged. Apparently these are not neccesary for communion with life, while vital for the subsistence of it.