Essays — Second Series

"Essays — Second Series" by Ralph Waldo Emerson is a compilation of insightful essays, probably from the 1800s, that starts with "The Poet," an essay that considers the job of poets in society, and how beauty, truth, and being yourself all tie together. Emerson says that real poetry is more than just being good at writing; it means really understanding beauty and feeling responsible for sharing important truths that others can't put into words. The early parts of the book talk about how beauty and being human are connected, suggesting poets bridge the gap between nature and people. Emerson criticizes those who only care about the surface of art, saying that real poets understand what life is all about and describe the many sides of beauty. He thinks it's important to be real in how you express yourself, and that poetry can change things, arguing that a true poet shows what's divine and uses beauty to make people feel better. Emerson uses strong images and thoughtful ideas to start a discussion about art, awareness, and being yourself