As Emerson attempts to experience true solitude successfully, he reveals that he must free himself from materialistic possessions and from his external society. In doing so, he basks in the outdoors and marvels at all the beauty the earth has to offer. He admires the perfection of the stars that take shelter above in our vast universe; the visions of the skies at night are a reminder of the everlasting divinity. He mentions that, in order to embrace nature, one must encompass the heart of a child and let the sun’s rays travel “into the eye” instead of on the surface (555). He introduces the concept of becoming “a transparent eye-ball” in nature, representing his possession of absorbent qualities and being able to take in nature’s offerings through all of his senses (556). The idea of the “self” disappears and the ego is set aside, allowing him to experience oneness with God.
Of Emerson’s ideas, one that I find interesting is how nature has the ability to bring out the youth of an individual. He writes how nature can take away the years of a person, unveiling childlike tendencies and eluding to a time of innocence and purity. I also enjoy how he draws a connection between a deep embrace of nature and God.
From my own love of nature, I have enjoyed many hikes with friends and family throughout the years. I have traveled through rocky trails, climbed up mountains, and have swam in fresh, clear-watered lagoons in other countries. I definitely relate to Emerson in the sense of the exhilaration and peace I feel when in the outdoors. In addition, being a firm believer in my faith, I can appreciate the relationships he draws between nature and God, which I can agree with at some level. Similar to Emerson, I occasionally set aside some of my ties from our industrious society when I go biking or climbing, and I can agree that these are some of my best moments.
American Literature 