Ralph Waldo Emerson

Definition

Ralph Waldo Emerson was an American essayist, lecturer, philosopher, abolitionist who led the transcendentalist movement in the mid-19th century.

Analogy

Consider Ralph Waldo Emerson as your favorite motivational speaker. He encouraged people to trust themselves, value their own thoughts/ideas (even if they're different from others), much like how motivational speakers inspire us today.

Related terms

Henry David Thoreau: An American naturalist, essayist, poet who was also part of the transcendentalist movement with close ties to Emerson.

Abolition Movement: A political movement that sought to end slavery and slave trade in US during early-mid 19th century which Emerson supported actively.

American Renaissance: A period in literary history -- set between 1830 and 1870 -- where many of America's most famous authors produced their greatest work including Emerson.