Although the public would certainly not recognize him as the philosopher who has penned many of the most famous lines ever, Emerson is certainly recognized by those in his field (particularly Carlyle, Thoreau, and Fuller) as one of the most important and influential American writers. He started the Transcendentalist movement and brought about a shift in intellectual thought that is unparalleled. His writings, especially the early ones, express human emotion in its purest form, something that writers have been trying to do for centuries. His firm belief in individuality, self-reliance, friendship, and simply being yourself broke down all the accepted walls of free thought. Beyond his amazing quotes and unique philosophy, it is for this that he will be remembered.
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