American Scholar Essay

American Scholar Reflective Writing
The various ideas presented in the American Scholar by Ralph Waldo Emerson both influences my previous beliefs but also challenged a few in the process. As Emerson kept elaborating on what a scholar must do, learn, and be, I took into account, over all other ideas, the mind of the scholar must not defer to the thoughts of the generally accepted. This idea spoke to me more than the other claims such as inaction of belief or constant learning of new subjects because it targets my weakness as a person. I feel, in my own opinion, that I possess ideas and suggestions that could be of use if spoken out, but as I listen and ponder on another’s ideas, my will to suggest my own thinking in essence “shuts down”. Emerson greatly influenced me on that personal level, but as I read his speech, an indirect message was presented to me. For the reason of which I do not know, the idea of this speech was not written for just anyone kept on reoccurring in my mind. Emerson clearly states different poverty levels of society and that it does not change the fact of everyone is a scholar, but I cannot rid the idea that by little chance that his ideas were not intended for just all people. I went to research when/where the speech was given and found that it was given at Harvard in Massachusetts and at that time period, slaves were still enslaved with the civil slaves in the north. The Emancipation Proclamation would not come for another 20 years or so, which account for my belief of the speech referring to all races clashing with Emerson’s idea of anyone can be a scholar. The idea of a true scholar, trusting his gut, further understanding, inaction of beliefs, and team work with others, is not what I disagree with. In fact, I agree with Emerson that this is what a true scholar/thinker is, negating the fact that previous Senate & chancellors are correct for not enacting of behalf of their empires. I just disagree with his preconceived idea that this will apply to anyone who listened to such speech. In his own words to support this, Cicero Locke and Bacon were young when they wrote their ideas, resulting in my support for my idea.