Nice to know there's a fellow Emersonian out there - I believe Patrick Kurp also is a fan. When I was 15 and read "Self-Reliance" for the first time, it hit me like a personal Declaration of Independence. I feel a personal connection with Emerson that I feel for very few writers and some years ago - quite a few, actually - when I was visiting Gwen, we made pilgrimage to his house in Concord. I don't think you can understand America or Americans if you haven't read Emerson. I think it significant that Nietzsche never traveled without his volume of Emerson.
I would love to visit Emerson's house in Concord someday. I agree with you that reading Emerson provides a good understanding of America and Americans. I am always surprised as I make my way through is work how much of it has percolated into our culture. I had no idea Nietzsche thought so highly of Emerson. That makes me smile.
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