What is the Man Thinking according to Emerson?

Answer

Present the Man Thinking according to Emerson. [2021] ✪✪✪ Or, What is the Man Thinking according to Emerson? [2019, 2017] Or, What is Emerson’s conception of ‘Man Thinking’? [2015]

Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803–1882), in his essay “The American Scholar” (1837), gives the idea of “Man Thinking.” It is a new and noble concept. For Emerson, “Man Thinking” and “The American Scholar” are the same. He says that the true scholar must think freely, not repeat others. Only then he becomes a complete and independent mind.

Meaning of Man Thinking: Emerson refers to the scholar as the delegated intellect of society. He says, 

“In the right state, he is Man Thinking.” 

This means a true scholar is an active and creative mind. He observes, studies, and reasons for himself. He is not merely a learner, but a living thinker. 

Against the Mere Thinker: Emerson warns that in a degenerate society, the scholar loses freedom. He becomes “the parrot of other men’s thinking.” Such a person only repeats, not creates. He reads too much and thinks too little. The “Mere Thinker” depends on others’ words. But the “Man Thinking” trusts his own soul. 

Sources of His Wisdom: Emerson says that “Man Thinking” learns from Nature, Books, and Action. Nature teaches him unity and divine truth. Books give him ideas of the past, but he uses them wisely. Action gives him real experience. 

Freedom and Self-Trust: For Emerson, “Man Thinking” must have self-trust. He says, 

“The office of the scholar is to cheer, to raise, and to guide men.” 

The scholar must guide others through truth and courage. His duty is not to serve society’s opinions but to enlighten it.

In short, Emerson’s “Man Thinking” is a symbol of the ideal scholar. He is free, brave, and original. He learns from life, not just books.