Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau are two of the most influential thinkers and writers of the 19th century. Their friendship and mutual influence on each other’s ideas and beliefs are often overlooked, but their close relationship played a crucial role in shaping their individual philosophies and writings.
Emerson and Thoreau first met in 1837, when Thoreau became a student and later a close friend of Emerson. The two men shared a deep interest in transcendentalism, a philosophical and literary movement that emphasized the importance of individuality, intuition, and the interconnectedness of all living things. Both Emerson and Thoreau believed in the inherent goodness of human beings and the importance of self-reliance and nonconformity.
One of the most significant ways in which Emerson and Thoreau influenced each other was through their shared beliefs on the importance of nature. Emerson’s essay “Nature” and Thoreau’s famous work “Walden” both emphasized the spiritual and transformative power of the natural world. Thoreau’s experience living in a cabin near Walden Pond, where he sought solitude and communion with nature, was deeply influenced by Emerson’s ideas on the beauty and transcendental qualities of the natural world.
Furthermore, both men were passionate advocates for social and political reform. Emerson’s essay “Self-Reliance” and Thoreau’s essay “Civil Disobedience” both emphasized the importance of individual conscience and resistance to unjust laws. Thoreau’s famous act of civil disobedience by refusing to pay taxes in protest of the Mexican-American War, a position endorsed by Emerson, was a direct example of how their beliefs in nonconformity and individual moral responsibility influenced each other.
Despite their close friendship, Emerson and Thoreau also had their differences. Thoreau’s commitment to simple living and his practical focus on self-sufficiency often clashed with Emerson’s more intellectual and abstract approach to transcendentalism. However, their differences only served to enrich their friendship and influence on each other.
In conclusion, the friendship and influence of Emerson and Thoreau were crucial in shaping the philosophical and literary landscape of 19th-century America. Their shared ideas and beliefs on transcendentalism, nature, and social reform continue to inspire individuals to this day. The close bond between these two thinkers serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of friendship and intellectual exchange in the pursuit of truth and wisdom.