Critical Miscellanies, Vol. 1, Essay 5: Emerson

"Critical Miscellanies, Vol. 1, Essay 5: Emerson" by John Morley is a review of a well-known American thinker, Ralph Waldo Emerson, during a time of intellectual history. It explores the journey of Emerson’s life, from his beginnings in a family of religious leaders of the church to his important place in American thinking. Morley looks at the key parts of Emerson's story, such as a famous speech he gave at Harvard University and tragic personal loss that changed how he saw the world. Morley also studies the special features and difficulties found in Emerson's writing style, while recognizing the honest effort and complex ideas found within it. The review argues that Emerson was a highly influential person in growing American thought, especially for his promotion of independence, the important connection between people and the environment, and the value of individual opinions.