The Powerful Words within Emerson's, "Nature"

An Excerpt from Emerson’s, “Nature”

“To speak truly, few adult persons can see nature. Most persons do not see the sun. At least they have a very superficial seeing. The sun illuminates only the eye of the man, but shines into the eye and the heart of the child. The lover of nature is he whose inward and outward senses are still truly adjusted to each other; who has retained the spirit of infancy even into the era of manhood. His intercourse with heaven and earth, becomes part of his daily food. In the presence of nature, a wild delight runs through the man, in spite of real sorrows. Nature says, -- he is my creature, and maugre all his impertinent griefs, he shall be glad with me. Not the sun or the summer alone, but every hour and season yields its tribute of delight; for every hour and change corresponds to and authorizes a different state of the mind, from breathless noon to grimmest midnight. Nature is a setting that fits equally well a comic or a mourning piece. In good health, the air is a cordial of incredible virtue. Crossing a bare common, in snow puddles, at twilight, under a clouded sky, without having in my thoughts any occurrence of special good fortune, I have enjoyed a perfect exhilaration. I am glad to the brink of fear. In the woods too, a man casts off his years, as the snake his slough, and at what period soever of life, is always a child. In the woods, is perpetual youth. Within these plantations of God, a decorum and sanctity reign, a perennial festival is dressed, and the guest sees not how he should tire of them in a thousand years. In the woods, we return to reason and faith. There I feel that nothing can befall me in life, -- no disgrace, no calamity, (leaving me my eyes,) which nature cannot repair. Standing on the bare ground, -- my head bathed by the blithe air, and uplifted into infinite space, -- all mean egotism vanishes. I become a transparent eye-ball; I am nothing; I see all; the currents of the Universal Being circulate through me; I am part or particle of God. The name of the nearest friend sounds then foreign and accidental: to be brothers, to be acquaintances, -- master or servant, is then a trifle and a disturbance. I am the lover of uncontained and immortal beauty. In the wilderness, I find something more dear and connate than in streets or villages. In the tranquil landscape, and especially in the distant line of the horizon, man beholds somewhat as beautiful as his own nature.”

Emerson, Ralph. “Nature” 5 Aug. 2001. 14 May 2008 < http://oregonstate.edu/instruct/phl302/texts/emerson/nature-emerson-a.html#Chapter%20I>

Self-Reflection

The story, “Nature,” by Ralph Waldo Emerson was a captivating story that incorporated a variety of the different aspects of nature and how they played a key role in adding the beauty into life. Therefore I chose this piece of work as it exposed the true beauties of nature as a whole with out the interference of human life. As I read into the novel, I found that the main point the author tried to establish was the human’s inability to appreciate the tranquility brought upon by nature and many different aspects. Within the early days of settlement within North America, the lands were vast and untouched by any humans. Therefore, many settlers came to understand the importance of land and how it was imperative to obtain. Furthermore, the prime message of the author was to connote a tone of appreciation towards the ideal beauties brought upon by plethora of different landscapes. After I read the novel, I was amazed at the high level of literature in which was used in order to convey the love that one felt towards nature. I myself also felt inspired to take a closer look at nature and the beauties it provide. I experienced a sense of awe towards the greatness of nature and how it could provide care and safe-shelter in dire times of need. Such a novel, is similar the everyday life I experience as nature surrounds me everyday. Therefore one can always step foot into the depths of nature and comprehend true beauty.


Dear Diary,
March 6, 1622

I have just witnessed the beauty of nature as I have been walking near the woods by the new settlements in this new land of America. Within the woods there is a beautiful odor that always captivates my attention and therefore pulls me away from the corruption brought by mankind. I feel cast away from all the evils of the world, and therefore I feel that I am new man when I am one with the nature. Everyday I see birds, squirrels and many other beautiful animals roaming about in the woods. I do believe that it was the will of god for nature to possess so many beautiful qualities. As I look at the lush meadows and many trees I feel protected and embraced by the soothing hands of god. If only one could understand my happiness.

Similarly, as the day rolled on, I became acquainted with the story, “Nature,” written by Ralph Waldo Emerson also illustrating the true beauties of nature. I hope to meet this one day so that we may be able to share our thoughts upon the tranquility of this land in which god has provided to us. As an adult I feel as carefree as an innocent child when it pertains to the essence of nature. Therefore I can only hope that such an entity will be preserved for the years to come, and even after my own death. I do hope that my children may be able to immerse themselves in the joys of nature and comprehend the true happiness of life. Emerson is a man who has truly brought tears of happiness to my eyes. I am happy to know that there are also others similar to myself.

A Visual Representation