Source: http://harvardsquarelibrary.org
Ralph Waldo Emerson passed away on April 27, 1882 [1]. He died of pneumonia after a walk in the woods during the rain [1]. The whole town of Concord shrouded itself in black, and the church bell tolled 79 times for each of his years [1]. He currently rests at Sleepy Hollow Cemetery in Concord, Massachusetts [2]. His plot is located in the are termed "Author's Ridge" [3].
I hide in the solar glory,
I am dumb in the pealing song,
I rest on the pitch of the torrent,
In slumber I am strong.
--from "Song of Nature", May-Day and Other Pieces
After his death, Emerson's "radical" ideas became more common [3]. His works have been translated into multiple languages and are taught in schools worldwide [3]. He influenced many literary figures of his time and was directly responsible for the publication of Thomas Carlyle's work, not to mention the fact that Henry David Thoreau's book, Walden, was written in a cabin on Emerson's/Waldo's property [3, 2]. Emerson supported educational reform [2]. He was an advocate for Native Americans, and voiced abolitionist beliefs [2]. Abolitionists were supported financially by him, and he had many as guests (e.g. John Brown, Angelina and Sarah Grimké) [3]. Emerson has also made impact in the women's right movement; he signed the Declaration of Sentiments and spoke about women's rights in 1855 [3].
"Slavery poisons and depraves everything it touches…Union is a delectable thing, and so is wealth, and so is life, but they may all cost too much, if they cost honour."
--Ralph Waldo Emerson
Emerson's influence was far reaching then, and continues to be now. Not only a writer, lecturer, and abolitionist, he helped advocate for women's and Native American rights. His profound thoughts continue to touch lives all throughout the world. This is the legacy of Ralph Waldo Emerson.
“In no other author can we get so close to the whole of the American spirit.”
--James Truslow Adams, historian
Works Cited
1. "RALPH WALDO EMERSON (1803-1882)." Public Broadcasting Service. N.p., n.d. Web.
24 Apr. 2014. <http://www.pbs.org/wnet/ihas/poet/emerson.html>.
2. Merriman, C. D. "Ralph Waldo Emerson." The Literature Network. Jalic Inc., 2007.
Web. 1 May 2014. <http://www.online-literature.com/emerson/>.
3. "The Living Legacy of Ralph Waldo Emerson." Harvard Square Library. N.p., n.d.
Web. 1 May 2014. <http://www.harvardsquarelibrary.org/collection/
living-legacy-ralph-waldo-emerson/>.
1. "RALPH WALDO EMERSON (1803-1882)." Public Broadcasting Service. N.p., n.d. Web.
24 Apr. 2014. <http://www.pbs.org/wnet/ihas/poet/emerson.html>.
2. Merriman, C. D. "Ralph Waldo Emerson." The Literature Network. Jalic Inc., 2007.
Web. 1 May 2014. <http://www.online-literature.com/emerson/>.
3. "The Living Legacy of Ralph Waldo Emerson." Harvard Square Library. N.p., n.d.
Web. 1 May 2014. <http://www.harvardsquarelibrary.org/collection/
living-legacy-ralph-waldo-emerson/>.
