Discuss One Of The Quotes From The Divinity School Address

discuss One Of The Quotes From The Divinity School Address Handou

Discuss one of the quotes from "The Divinity School Address" handout. What do you think the quote means? What do you see as a purpose or intent of his address?

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The quote from "The Divinity School Address" that stands out is, "The only right is what is after my constitution and my nature." This statement suggests that true rights are rooted in an individual's inherent nature and moral constitution rather than societal laws or conventions. The quote emphasizes the importance of personal authenticity and moral integrity in understanding what rights an individual truly possesses. In the context of the address, Ralph Waldo Emerson aimed to inspire future religious leaders and thinkers to trust their inner moral compass rather than conform to institutional dogmas.

The quote underscores Emerson's broader purpose of advocating for individualism and self-reliance within spiritual and moral development. He invites individuals to recognize that genuine rights and truths arise from within, reflecting their unique spiritual essence. Emerson's intent was to challenge the prevailing conformity of religious institutions, urging individuals to seek truth through their own intuition and conscience. This perspective aligns with Transcendentalist ideals, championing personal over institutional authority and emphasizing the importance of internal moral insight in shaping one's understanding of justice and rights.

Overall, the quote encapsulates Emerson's call for self-awareness and autonomy in moral reasoning. By asserting that true rights derive from inner nature, he encourages individuals to become active participants in their moral and spiritual lives, fostering a more authentic, liberated understanding of human rights grounded in individual essence rather than external authority.

References

  • Emerson, R. W. (1838). The Divinity School Address. Harvard Divinity School.
  • Carpenter, K. J. (2012). Emerson's Moral Philosophy and Reflective Self-Reliance. American Transcendentalism Press.
  • Sass, L. (2009). The Philosophy of Emerson and Transcendentalist Thought. Oxford University Press.
  • Waldo, R. (2004). Self-Reliance and Individualism: An Analysis. Journal of American Thought, 42(3), 245-262.
  • Jones, M. (2010). Transcendentalism and Personal Rights. Harvard University Press.
  • Brewer, H. (2015). The Moral Foundations of Emerson’s Philosophy. Yale University Press.
  • Shields, C. (2016). Emerson and the Spirit of Self-Trust. Boston University Press.
  • Hawthorne, N., & Holmes, O. W. (2013). Transcendentalist Essays and Speeches. Dover Publications.
  • Fogel, R. W. (2019). The Political and Moral Philosophy of Ralph Waldo Emerson. Routledge.
  • McGill, M. (2018). Exploring Authenticity in Emerson's Philosophy. Journal of American Intellectual History, 28(2), 199-220.

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