Selected Essays - Ralph Waldo Emerson

"The Universal Soul"

Reading/Discussion Schedule

November 29: Nature, The American Scholar; December 2: Self-Reliance, The Over-Soul;

December 6: Circles, The Transcendentalist; December 9: The Poet, Experience.

November 29 

1. Which is the best description of Nature - a verb? or a noun?
2. "Each particle is a microcosm, and faithfully renders the likeness of the world?" How so?
3. "The reason why the world lacks unity, and lies broken and in heaps, is because man is disunited with himself." Explain.
4. "In self-trust all the virtues are comprehended." Discuss.

December 2

1. Is self-reliance the same as autonomy of the will?
2. Where does genius come from?
3. Which of the Great Books authors we have read this semester are "conformists"?
4. Draw a picture that captures the following - yourself, God, the Over-Soul.

December 6

Meet at Corral Canyon/Dan Blocker Beach at 10, rain or shine. Bring Emerson and your last weekly writing assignment.

1. What circles are a part of your life?
2. Where is the center of the Circles essay? What is the radius? Where is the circumference?
3. Identify your favorite quote from the Circles essay.
4. Which of the following  are transcendentalists: Kant, the creature, nature, the self-reliant, pre-fall Eve, Candide?

December 9

1. Last Day! Be ready for a special day.  Everyone!
2. Be prepared for your last meditation experience of the term.
3. Which Great Book this semester has changed or influenced you the most?

The Poet: 

1. How is the poet like a creator?
2. How is the poet a genius?
3. How is the poet the ultimately free man?
4. Connect this essay to the others we have read.

Experience:

1. Which thread of the loom of time is greatest?
2. What is the difference between the world of experience and the world of thinking?

November 29

None Due.

December 6

Write to the following questions:

Where does ultimate, absolute meaning reside? What form does it take?