- 288 pages
- English
- ePUB (mobile friendly)
- Available on iOS & Android
About this book
“This is a beautiful book, full of ideas that could help restore America’s genius for freedom and promise.” —Thomas Moore, New York Times bestselling author of Care of the Soul
A lifelong Emersonian scholar, teacher, and spiritual seeker reveals how American philosopher Ralph Waldo Emerson’s twelve essential teachings hold the answer to living an authentic and fulfilling life, one that is in harmony with our souls.
Ralph Waldo Emerson was a spiritual revolutionary whose profound vision of human potential came to define the American character. Known as America’s original Stoic, he offered a radical message of optimism, authenticity, and self-realization that is more necessary today than ever.
In this timely, remarkable book, noted memoirist and teacher Mark Matousek reveals the depths of Emerson’s extraordinary wisdom, demonstrating how his timeless philosophy can help us navigate the challenges of contemporary life. Using personal stories, psychological research, and life lessons from Emerson and his contemporaries—including Thoreau and Whitman—he offers practical lessons in the art of living.
They include:
ON ORIGINALITY—Character is everything
ON PERSPECTIVE—You are how you see
ON NONCONFORMITY—Build your own world
ON RESILIENCE—Without confidence, the universe is against you
ON VITALITY—A stream of power runs through you
And more
Emerson’s far-reaching vision of excellence and spiritual flourishing is the medicine we need to heal ourselves. “Trust yourself,” he teaches. “Once you make a decision, the universe conspires to make it happen.” This philosophy of hope, known as transcendentalism, is the vein of gold in the American psyche. Lessons from an American Stoic helps us to reclaim our national treasure.
Frequently asked questions
- Essential is ideal for learners and professionals who enjoy exploring a wide range of subjects. Access the Essential Library with 800,000+ trusted titles and best-sellers across business, personal growth, and the humanities. Includes unlimited reading time and Standard Read Aloud voice.
- Complete: Perfect for advanced learners and researchers needing full, unrestricted access. Unlock 1.4M+ books across hundreds of subjects, including academic and specialized titles. The Complete Plan also includes advanced features like Premium Read Aloud and Research Assistant.
Please note we cannot support devices running on iOS 13 and Android 7 or earlier. Learn more about using the app.
Information
Table of contents
- Cover
- Title Page
- Dedication
- Epigraph
- Contents
- Key to Abbreviations
- Preface: Falling in Love with Emerson
- Introduction: Trust Yourself
- Lesson One, On Originality: Character Is Everything
- Lesson Two, On Perspective: You Are How You See
- Lesson Three, On Nonconformity: Build Your Own World
- Lesson Four, On Contradiction: Everything Is Double
- Lesson Five, On Resilience: Without Confidence, the Universe Is Against You
- Lesson Six, On Vitality: A Stream of Power Runs Through You
- Lesson Seven, On Courage: The Death of Fear
- Lesson Eight, On Intimacy: Love Is the Masterpiece of Nature
- Lesson Nine, On Adversity: When It Is Dark Enough, You Can See the Stars
- Lesson Ten, On Optimism: The Soul Refuses Limits
- Lesson Eleven, On Awe: The Proper Emotion Is Wonder
- Lesson Twelve, On Enlightenment: Your Giant Goes with You Wherever You Go
- Spiritual Exercises
- Acknowledgments
- Bibliography
- Notes
- About the Author
- Copyright
- About the Publisher