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The Political Emerson: Essential Writings on Politics and Social Reform
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Product Description
Calling on his background as a minister, Ralph Waldo Emerson always brought morality into his political arguments. On issues ranging from women’s rights to slavery to Native American land rights, Emerson felt that each individual should look within himself and make political decisions based on his own conscience. Instead of blindly following the government or society’s beliefs, Emerson often argued for and practiced dissent, a stance maligned by politicians who were trying to take power from the people.
In The Political Emerson, David M. Robinson has brought together the best of Emerson’s essays on politics and social reform. Robinson’s introduction explains the reason for this unique collection by laying out the political impact that Emerson’s writings had during his own time and beyond.
In this major election year, Emerson’s political thought is more valuable than ever. And, as Robinson makes clear in this unique anthology, Emerson’s writings can continue to speak to all of us who hope for a more ethical politics.
Product Details
- Amazon Sales Rank: #1456088 in Books
- Published on: 2004-09-23
- Original language: English
- Number of items: 1
- Binding: Paperback
- 264 pages
Editorial Reviews
Review
"The Political Emerson, is another important contribution to the ongoing reevaluation of the most important cultural figure in nineteenth-century America. This collection specifically answers those critics who maintained for years that Emerson was an aloof philosopher, far removed from the political turmoil and social drama of the 'era of reform' in which he lived. Instead, we now see clearly that Emerson was at the epicenter of change, constantly urging his fellow citizens to insure that equality, freedom, and justice were the natural birthright of all Americans. It is a message well worth hearing again today." -Len Gougeon, author of Virtue's Hero: Emerson, Antislavery, and Reform "Spirituality has political implications. It always has; it always will. As a minister, Emerson put spiritual integrity first-knowing that he could not thereby avoid the political concerns of his time. He saw all human beings as moral subjects and resisted treating them as mere objects. David Robinson, in this anthology, gives us Emerson as a relevant resource for the spiritually grounded political resistance still required today." -John Buehrens, author of Understanding the Bible: An Introduction for Skeptics, Seekers, and Religious Liberals
About the Author
David M. Robinson is a leading authority on Emerson and the New England Transcendentalist movement. He is the author and editor of numerous books, including The Spiritual Emerson and Emerson and the Conduct of Life. He is Oregon Professor of English and head of the American Studies program at Oregon State University in Corvallis.
