Ralph Waldo Emerson’s oration delivered to the most brightest students of Harvard was an odd approach, yet clarified what the real definition of a scholar is.
“Books are the best of things, well used; abused, among the worst. What is the right use? What is the one end, which all means go to effect? They are for nothing but to inspire.” (Emerson 15) Emerson devotes much of his attention on the influence of books. He states that books pose danger to readers although we gain knowledge of the past. He questions if it does benefit us by showing us a picture into the past but pose a great danger, what is the real use of books? The question he raised made me think differently. As a student, we are so absorbed in reading chapters in time for the next lecture class without fully enjoying the subject. Our priority is to get a general understanding of the text for the purpose of doing well in our exams. We would learn the material but as Emerson mentioned, we would not think anything beyond than what is presented within the printed pages. According to Emerson, scholars are of no difference since they can also suffer from the undue influence of books. In fact, books are just there to inspire if the genius remain stuck with the concepts that it projects and are prohibited to explore new ideas of their own. Thus, Emerson suggests books should only be a resort to true scholars if they are unable to use their minds and apply it creatively.
I couldn’t agree more to Emerson. Although we devote our time to read books, we pay little or no attention to thinking outside the box. Rather than relying on what a book is trying to say, creativity must be fostered. Books may be the heart of endless knowledge but they should not restrict our thoughts.
I totally agree with you and Emerson. It is true, even though books possess powerful ways of teaching and showing the reader its content to make one smarter; it can still be a dangerous thing. Some people miss out on life because they are too focus in just doing great in school, that all they do is read books all day. I found really interesting how Emerson decided to give this specific speech to to the scholars in Harvard. These are the people that are always thought to be the most intelligent in the world (or at least in the US). But yet here is Emerson telling them that they are not that smart after all, yes they are book smart because they have dedicated their life to it; but they are not life smart, because they haven’t lived. They have no idea of what is going outside, and in other countries. They would never be able to make a true difference in the world because they don’t know anything about it, other than what their books have thought them.