Emerson’s views about the duties of an American Scholar.
The American Scholar is a notable literary work by Ralph Waldo Emerson. A complete discussion of this literary work is given, which will help you enhance your literary skills and prepare for the exam. Read the Main texts, Key info, Summary, Themes, Characters, Literary devices, Quotations, Notes, and various study materials of The American Scholar.
Answer
Write a note on Emerson’s view about the duties of the American scholar. [2021]
Or, Discuss Emerson’s views about the duties of an American Scholar. [2021]
Or, What is Emerson’s view about the duties of “The American Scholar?” [2019, 2017, 2015] ✪✪✪
Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803–1882), in his famous essay “The American Scholar” (1837), gives a noble picture of what a true scholar should be. He says that a scholar is not a mere bookworm but “Man Thinking.” He will be a man of thought, action, and courage. After explaining how Nature, Books, and Action educate the scholar, Emerson discusses his duties. These duties are moral, social, and intellectual. The scholar must serve mankind through truth, self-trust, and creative independence.
Self-Trust and Independence: The first and highest duty of the scholar is self-trust. Emerson says that the scholar must rely on his own mind. He should not fear poverty, pain, or solitude. True greatness comes from confidence in one’s own soul. Emerson says,
“In the right state, he is Man Thinking. In the degenerate state… he becomes a parrot of other men’s thinking.”
A true scholar must therefore think freely and reject blind imitation. He must remain independent in thought, even if society misunderstands him.
Service to Humanity: The scholar’s life is not for himself only. His learning and wisdom belong to all people. Emerson calls the scholar “the world’s eye” and “the world’s heart.” He must see the truth clearly and guide others. His duty is, as Emerson says,
“…to cheer, to raise, and to guide men by showing them facts amidst appearances.”
The scholar must comfort people with truth, inspire them with noble ideas, and keep alive the wisdom of the past. Like an astronomer who observes stars for the benefit of mankind, the scholar must serve humanity through knowledge.
Use of Books and Learning: Books are great teachers, but the scholar must use them wisely. Emerson warns,
“Books are the best of
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