Introduction to the Special Issue of Religions—“Transcendentalism and the Religious Experience”
Religions August 27, 2018 DOI: 10.3390/rel9090253 (opens in new tab) via DOAJ
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractIn his 1837 oration 'The American Scholar,' Emerson called for American intellectual and cultural independence from Europe, urging scholars to engage directly with nature, action, and life rather than rely on secondhand books and traditions. He argued that true scholarship requires active, original thinking rooted in personal experience and moral purpose. The speech became a foundational text in American cultural nationalism, defining the scholar's role as a 'Man Thinking' who contributes to society through self-reliance and creativity.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Historical analysis Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Keywords | N/a |
| Key finding | Argues that American scholars must cultivate original thought by engaging with nature and action, rejecting passive reliance on European intellectual traditions. |
Abstract
In his 1837 oration “The American Scholar,” Emerson demanded that, above all, […]