Ralph Waldo Emerso

n1803-1882

Essayist, poet, philosopher, & orator

1st American philosopherTranscendentalism was his

reaction against scientific rationalism

His motto: Trust thyself

1st book NatureThe best expression of his

transcendentalismMost famous work

Essays “Compensation,” “Nature” and

“Self-Reliance”

“Self-Reliance”Theme – People should be true

to themselves.

Transcendental ClubHe formed this group along with

a group of friends, including Henry David Thoreau and Margaret Fuller

Nature was the creed for the club