Compensation and Self-Reliance

Ralph Waldo Emerson: The Father of Transcendentalism "Man is his own star." - Ralph Waldo Emerson Emerson's profound influence on American philosophy and literature is unparalleled. At the heart of Transcendentalism, his works, including the seminal essays Compensation and Self-Reliance, challenged the religious orthodoxy of his time and championed the inherent divinity of the individual. With compelling insights and deep compassion, Emerson's writings are a testament to the power of self-reliance. His eloquent proclamation that fulfillment comes from within, through "self-induced and self-devised efforts," continues to resonate as a foundational concept of American identity. Despite a decline in mental faculties in his later years, Emerson's legacy as a pivotal figure in American letters was cemented by his passing. Known as the "Sage of Concord," his extensive body of work remains a cornerstone of American thought. Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803-1882), poet and essayist