The American Scholar

Emerson often speaks of the importance of action for a scholar, and of his belief that a scholar should be a part of the world. At the same time, he cautions the scholar to cultivate “self-trust” (Paragraph 32) and to not be too swayed by public opinion. Do you think that he is contradicting himself? Why, or why not? 

Emerson states: “One must be an inventor to read well” (Paragraph 19). What do you think that he means by this? 

Emerson believes that all men should see themselves as possible rulers and shapers of the world. He believes that only in this way will a truly healthy society be possible: “A nation of men will for the first time exist, because each believes himself inspired by the Divine Soul which also inspires all men” (Paragraph 43). To what degree do you think that this statement is realistic or feasible? 

Emerson draws a distinction between the American scholar and his European counterpart. What are some qualities of his ideal American scholar that seem to you to be particularly American? 

What do you think that Emerson sees as the American scholar’s main obligations (apart from scholarship)? How is his idea of an intellectual unconventional? How is it traditional?