The American Scholar : Summary

Summary

Introducing the Scholar’s Role: At the outset of his essay, Emerson discusses the need for a new way of thinking in America. He says America depends too much on European ideas, degenerating American ideals. So, American scholars must develop their intellectual identity to overcome the crisis. He desires scholars to lead this change to enable society to think more creatively and independently. Scholars must inspire people to unite and understand the deeper truths about human life.

The Scholar as a Unified Being: Emerson shares a fable. The fable explains how humans were once one whole being. However, they were later divided into many individuals. This division compels people to forget that they are all connected by a common spirit. According to the author, scholars must remind people of this connection and bring society closer.

The Three Main Influences on the Scholar: Some societal or abstract elements always influence human thoughts and spiritual development. Emerson explains such three important factors that shape a scholar’s thinking and development:

• Nature: Nature is the first and most important teacher for a scholar. By observing nature, scholars learn how everything is connected. This knowledge helps them see that humans are also part of this connection. For example, scholars studying a tree or the seasons can understand how life follows a particular pattern.
• Books: The author argues that books are the minds of past writers. They are valuable only because they contain the knowledge and ideas of past generations. However, Emerson suggests that scholars not mindlessly follow what books say. He says they should use books to learn and think critically. If scholars depend too much on books, there may be the risk of copying others instead of developing their own thoughts.
• Action: Emerson believes scholars cannot just sit and read or think. Instead, they must take action and experience life. Scholars can better understand the world through real-world experiences, like working, meeting different people, and solving problems. Action gives scholars new ideas and helps them write in ways others can relate.

The Duties of the Scholar: Scholars must have various important responsibilities to make a nation prosperous. 

• They must preach the truth in the society.
• They should show people how everyone is connected, regardless of their societal role.
• They must think independently. Besides, they should not be distracted by the desire for fame or wealth.
• They should act as “Man Thinking“, not “Mere Thinking.” This means that they should actively seek knowledge and ideas to improve themselves and their society.

American Cultural Independence: Emerson criticizes America for unquestioningly imitating European ideas. He urges American scholars to focus on their own experiences. He also suggests that they should create works reflecting their country’s values and reality. He encourages scholars to think boldly and define America’s own intellectual identity.

Hope for Artistic Revolution: Emerson is hopeful about the future. He sees signs of a new kind of literature focusing on everyday life and ordinary people. He believes this kind of writing will help Americans understand each other better and create a strong national culture. He praises literature that contains the lives of ordinary people.

The Scholar’s Connection to the Divine: Emerson concludes by reminding scholars that they are guided by a “Divine Soul” that connects all people. He believes scholars can inspire others by showing them this spiritual connection. Through their work, scholars can help unite society and guide future generations.