The American Scholar (1837)
Ralph Waldo Emerson
Emerson contends that true strength lies in living one's values, not merely pondering them. In 1837, at a time when the intellectualism of the Enlightenment still held sway, Emerson urged his listeners to balance thought with action. He believed that the truly great soul marries intellect with character, manifesting ideals in everyday life as a complete act, not relegated to the mind alone.