Education

Ralph Waldo Emerson, one of America's most influential thinkers, is the writer of the essay, "Education". By teaching his readers about respecting children and respecting themselves, Emerson is able to clearly pass on his messages about his ideas on reforming the education system and his ideas about his views on life."It is not for you to choose what he shall know, what he shall do. It is chosen and foreordained, and he only holds the key to his own secret," says Emerson about how he thinks a child needs to viewed as by their parents. In order to share his thoughts, Emerson published this essay in American Scholar during the 1800s. His goal was to persuade and educate his readers, who were educators, parents, and the readers of the magazine, about how he thinks teaching the next generation should be done. He says by being patient, a parent can see Nature's new product. However, this includes not trespassing on their solitude. He agreed with the idea of teaching children arithmetic and grammar so when the child has fully understood these topics, they can "learn anything which is important to them" by using the tools they have been provided with. Once a child has mastered the solid concepts, he or she can use their own thoughts to continue their education in whatever subject they want to learn about. In a philosophical, confident, and professional tone, Emerson is able to convey his message to his readers in an effective way during the Transcendentalist period. "By simple living, by an illimitable soul, you inspire, you correct, you instruct, you raise, you embellish all" (Emerson).