emerson essay circles

Essays: First Series

• Essays: First Series ›

The section does not cover the history and life of Emerson and his writings, but rather his work entitled “History.”

Self-Reliance – Summary & Full Essay – Ralph Waldo Emerson

In “Self-Reliance,” philosopher Ralph Waldo Emerson argues that polite society has an adverse effect on one’s personal growth. Self-sufficiency, he writes, gives one the freedom to discover one’strue self and attain true independence. Read about Emerson Self Reliance Summary

The Law of Compensation by Ralph Waldo Emerson

Ever since I was a boy, I have wished to write a discourse on Compensation: for it seemed to me when very young, that on this subject life was ahead of theology, and the people knew more than the preachers taught.

Spiritual Laws

When the act of reflection takes place in the mind, when we look at ourselves in the light of thought, we discover that our life is embosomed in beauty. Behind us, as we go, all things assume pleasing forms, as clouds do far off.

Every promise of the soul has innumerable fulfilments; each ofnt. Nature, uncontainable, flowing, forelooking, in the first sentiment of kindness anticipates already a benevolence which shall lose all particular regards in its general light.

We have a great selfishness that chills like east winds the world, the whole human family is bathed with an element of love like a fine ether. How many persons we meet in houses, whom we scarcely speak to, whom yet we honor, and who honor us!

What right have I to write ont of the negative sort? My prudence consists in avoiding and going without, not in the inventing of means and methods, not in adroit steering, not in gentle repairing. I have no skill to make money spend well, no genius in my economy, and whoever sees my garden discovers that I must have some other garden.

In the elder English dramaetcher, there is a constant recognition of gentility, as if a noble behaviour were as easily marked in the society of their age, as color is in our American population.

The Over-Soul

There is a difference between one and another hour of life, in their authority and subsequent effect. Our faith comes in moments; our vice is habitual. Yet there is a depth in those brief moments which constrains us to ascribe more reality to them than to all other experiences.

Emerson Circles

The essay “Circles” by Emerson is a distinction between two kinds of knowledge – Understanding and Reasoning. There is a difference between the both. Understanding is a state when you realize what is what and which is which, but reasoning is a state where it goes beyond understanding and need logically thinking on matters.

Every substance is negatively electric to that which stands above it in the chemical tables, positively to that which stands below it. Water dissolves wood, and iron, and salt; air dissolves water

Emerson in his essay “Art” through an evidence of the artist’s personality gives a fresh and a brand new experience of reality. The consciousness of all the artists expands and as a result, they create concentric circles of artistry.

Emerson's Essays

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Self Reliance and Other Essays

By ralph emerson, self reliance and other essays summary and analysis of circles.

• Introduction

“Circles” was originally published in 1841 as part of Emerson’s  Essays: First Series . The essay elaborates on his romantic perspective (likewise held by the new scientists of his age like Goethe and Darwin) of life as process and flux, rather than stasis or perfection. “The universe is fluid and volatile. Permanence is but a word of degrees.” He believed there was no final conclusion in any aspect of life – every end is only a new beginning – and we should embrace and embody such fluidity. (Read together with “The Over-Soul,” one begins to understand how Emerson did not believe in ultimate transcendence, nor overestimate the human potential to achieve such a state.)

Emerson uses the symbol of the circle as both a metaphor of life and as an organizing principle to articulate his perspective. This “primary figure” and “highest emblem in the cipher of the world” repeats without end through nature, the individual, and society, and ultimately connects all to God. (Indeed, Emerson notes St. Augustine described “the nature of God as a circle whose centre was everywhere and its circumference nowhere.”) The following sections elaborate on how exactly the circle ripples through all four realms of life.

Circle and Nature

True to his constant theme of nature, Emerson begins his essay with, “The eye is the first circle; the horizon which it forms is the second; and throughout nature this primary picture is repeated without end.” We spend all our lives standing in the midst of and trying to understand the circles which ripple throughout nature – “there is always another dawn risen on mid-noon, and under every deep a lower deep opens.”

Circles and the Individual

In line with his belief in idealism, Emerson argues all individuals (and the world) are defined by their thoughts, the ideas that classify facts. Individuals only reform when a new idea prompts a reclassification. In this way, each individual life is a self-evolving circle ever expanding outward into new and larger forms, though the extent to which this occurs depends on “the force or truth of the individual soul.” When individuals generate a circle by telling their stories, such a circle shades the world with the lines and meanings of such stories, only to be redrawn when a new circle encompasses and reconfigures the former.

In this way, what is authoritative and defining today may be eclipsed tomorrow. A great thinker acknowledges that science, literature, religion, and morals are all at risk for revision and upheaval. All individuals contain the capacity for such revolutionary power. “Every man is not so much a workman in the world as he is a suggestion of that he should be. Men walk as prophecies of the next age.” Emerson argues one avenue through which individuals form new circles is literature, which provides them with a perspective on their present life through comparison with ancient or foreign ways of life, and thus how they may change or reform. Poetry in particular, he argues, serves this end well because it is filled with the daring imagination of others.

The inherent capacity for revolutionary thought is also why we cannot fully understand anyone. All individuals contain an unknown potential for greater possibility endowed by his divine soul. Furthermore, such potential waxes and wanes by the day, as when Emerson writes full of thought one day, but cannot do so in the slightest the next. “I am God in nature; I am a weed by the wall."

Circles and Society

In regard to circles and society, Emerson observes we are left with countless historical examples of the transitory nature of society.

The Greek sculpture is all melted away, as if it had been statues of ice; here and there a solitary figure or fragment remaining, as we see flecks and scraps of snow left in cold dells and mountain clefts in June and July… New arts destroy the old. See the investment of capital in aqueducts, made useless by hydraulics; fortifications, by gunpowder; roads and canals, by railways; sails, by steam; steam by electricity.

The rise of new thought and creation inevitably signals the decline of old.

The same holds for the intangible aspects of society, including virtue, as does with solid matter. Perhaps his most controversial stance, Emerson argues like all of life, there is no virtue that is final; all virtue is initial. The virtues of society are vices of the saint. The terror of reform is the discovery that we must cast away our virtues, or what we have always esteemed such, into the same pit that has consumed our grosser vices.

Does this mean he believes all actions are equal and valid, such that even crimes could be considered sacred? Emerson avoids a justification, although he admits his enjoy in the idea that “no evil is pure, nor hell itself without its extreme satisfactions.” However, he ultimately admits that he, like all other individuals, are evolving and experimenting in life, rather than attempting to depict what is true or false. His aim is to “unsettle all things. No facts are to me sacred; none are profane; I simply experiment, an endless seeker with no Past at my back.”

Circles and God

Nevertheless, while the revolutionary circles of life eternally ripple through nature, individuals, and society, they all emanate from the soul, or rather, God.

Whilst the eternal generation of circles proceeds, the eternal generator abides. That central life is somewhat superior to creation, superior to knowledge and thought, and contains all its circles. Forever it labors to create a life and thought as large and excellent as itself, but in vain, for that which is made instructs how to make a better.

In other words, the soul forever labors to achieve a life and thought marked by godliness, and thus eternally generates circles, but always in vain, for each subsequent circle only moves ever more toward godliness. In this way, life is defined by a constant desire to draw a new circle, to connect with God. The great works of genius and religion illustrate such moments of enthusiastic desire, as do “dreams and drunkenness, [for] the use of opium and alcohol are the semblance and counterfeit of this oracular genius, and hence their dangerous attraction for men.”

Self Reliance and Other Essays Questions and Answers

The Question and Answer section for Self Reliance and Other Essays is a great resource to ask questions, find answers, and discuss the novel.

In Emerson's "Self-Reliance," how does he explain the changes in society, good and bad?

In the final section, Emerson addresses the “spirit of society.” According to Emerson, “society never advances.” Civilization has not led to the improvement of society because with the acquisition of new arts and technologies comes the loss of old...

Leaves of Grass

Whitman's "songs" focus on democracy and freedom, an unwavering belief in patriotism, and the promise of American freedom.

What does Emerson mean by self-reliance?

Emerson opens his essay with the assertion, "To believe in your own thought, to believe that what is true for you in your private heart is true for all men, - that is genius." His statement captures the essence of what he means by "self-reliance,"...

Study Guide for Self Reliance and Other Essays

Self Reliance and Other Essays study guide contains a biography of Ralph Emerson, literature essays, a complete e-text, quiz questions, major themes, characters, and a full summary and analysis.

• About Self Reliance and Other Essays
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Essays for Self Reliance and Other Essays

Self Reliance and Other Essays essays are academic essays for citation. These papers were written primarily by students and provide critical analysis of Self Reliance and Other Essays by Ralph Waldo Emerson.

• Ideal Individualism and the Benefits of Conformity
• Trancendentalism and Its Influence Upon the Creation of an American Identity
• What Hangs in the Balance
• Emersonian Implosion: The Self-Reliant Man in Moby Dick and Keats' Poetry
• Huckleberry Finn: Self-Reliance or Self-Contempt ?

Lesson Plan for Self Reliance and Other Essays

• About the Author
• Study Objectives
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• Introduction to Self Reliance and Other Essays
• Relationship to Other Books
• Bringing in Technology
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E-Text of Self Reliance and Other Essays

Self Reliance and Other Essays E-Text contains the full text of Self Reliance and Other Essays

• First Series - History
• First Series - Self Reliance
• First Series - Compensation
• First Series - Spiritual Laws
• First Series - Love

Wikipedia Entries for Self Reliance and Other Essays

Circles Lyrics

How to Format Lyrics:

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Written in 1841 by Ralph Waldo Emerson and published postmortem.

“Circles” is about the cyclical nature of life, how humans come and go, a never ending process, while the globe remains ever in motion. One thing seamlessly flows into another to no end.

Find answers to frequently asked questions about the song and explore its deeper meaning

• 1. Good-Bye
• 2. The Problem
• 4. The Visit
• 6. The World-Soul
• 7. The Sphinx
• 8. Alphonso of Castile
• 9. Mithridates
• 10. To J.W.
• 11. Destiny
• 13. Earth-Song
• 14. The Rhodora
• 15. The Humble-Bee
• 16. Berrying
• 17. The Snow-Storm
• 18. Woodnotes I
• 19. Woodnotes II
• 20. Monadnoc
• 22. Astraea
• 23. Étienne De La Boéce
• 24. Compensation
• 25. Forbearance
• 26. The Park
• 27. Forerunners
• 28. Sursum Corda
• 29. Ode To Beauty
• 30. Give All To Love
• 31. To Ellen At The South
• 32. To Ellen
• 35. The Violet
• 36. The Amulet
• 37. Thine Eyes Still Shined
• 39. Hermione
• 40. Initial, Daemonic And Celestial Love
• 41. The Apology
• 42. Merlin I
• 43. Merlin II
• 44. Bacchus
• 46. The House
• 48. Holidays
• 49. Xenophanes
• 50. The Day’s Ration
• 52. Musketaquid
• 54. Threnody
• 55. May-Day
• 56. The Adirondacs
• 57. Nemesis
• 59. Freedom
• 61. Boston Hymn
• 62. Voluntaries
• 63. Love And Thought
• 66. Letters
• 68. Merlin’s Song
• 69. The Test
• 70. Solution
• 72. Nature I
• 73. Nature II
• 74. The Romany Girl
• 75. My Garden
• 76. The Chartist’s Complaint
• 77. The Titmouse
• 78. The Harp
• 79. Seashore
• 80. Song Of Nature
• 81. Two Rivers
• 82. Waldeinsamkeit
• 83. Terminus
• 84. The Nun’s Aspiration
• 86. Maiden Speech Of The Aeolian Harp
• 88. The Past
• 89. The Last Farewell
• 90. In Memoriam E.B.E.
• 91. Experience
• 92. Compensation II
• 93. Politics
• 94. Heroism
• 95. Character
• 96. Culture
• 97. Friendship
• 98. Spiritual Laws
• 100. Manners
• 103. Worship
• 104. Prudence
• 105. Nature
• 106. The Informing Spirit
• 107. Circles
• 108. Intellect
• 110. Promise
• 111. Caritas
• 113. Wealth
• 114. Illusions
• 115. Quatrains
• 116. Sonnet Of Michel Angelo Buonarotti
• 117. The Exile
• 118. From Hafiz
• 119. Epitaph
• 120. Friendship II
• 121. From Omar Khayyam
• 122. From Ali Ben Abu Taleb
• 123. From Ibn Jemin
• 124. The Flute
• 125. To The Shah
• 126. To The Shah II
• 127. To The Shah III
• 128. Song Of Seyd Nimetollah Of Kuhistan
• 129. The Poet (Poem)
• 130. Fragments On The Poet And The Poetic Gift
• 131. Nature III
• 132. The Earth
• 133. The Heavens
• 134. Transition
• 135. The Garden
• 138. Nahant
• 139. Sunrise
• 140. Night In June
• 144. The Bohemian Hymn
• 146. Insight
• 148. Monadnoc From Afar
• 149. September
• 150. Eros II
• 151. October
• 152. Peter’s Field
• 154. The Walk
• 155. Cosmos
• 156. The Miracle
• 157. The Waterfall
• 158. Walden
• 159. The Enchanter
• 160. Written In A Volume Of Goethe
• 161. Riches
• 162. Philosopher
• 163. Intellect II
• 164. Limits
• 165. Inscription For A Well In Memory Of The Martyrs Of The War
• 166. The Exile II
• 167. The Bell
• 168. Thought
• 169. Prayer
• 170. To-Day
• 172. The Summons
• 173. The River
• 174. Good Hope
• 175. Lines To Ellen
• 176. Security
• 177. A Mountain Grave
• 178. A Letter
• 179. Hymn II
• 180. Self-Reliance (Poem)
• 181. Written In Naples
• 182. Written At Rome
• 183. Webster
• 184. From The Phi Beta Kappa Poem

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Lit. Summaries

• Biographies

Exploring the Symbolism and Themes in Ralph Waldo Emerson’s Circles: A Literary Analysis

• Ralph Waldo Emerson

Ralph Waldo Emerson’s essay “Circles” is a complex and multi-layered piece of literature that delves into the nature of reality, perception, and the interconnectedness of all things. In this article, we will explore the symbolism and themes present in “Circles” and analyze how Emerson uses language and imagery to convey his ideas. From the cyclical nature of life to the concept of the “over-soul,” we will examine the key concepts that make this essay a timeless masterpiece of American literature.

Emerson’s Concept of Circles

Emerson’s concept of circles is a central theme in his essay of the same name. He uses the metaphor of circles to explore the interconnectedness of all things in the universe. According to Emerson, everything is connected in a circular pattern, with each part of the circle influencing and being influenced by the others. This concept is closely tied to his belief in the unity of all things and the idea that everything is part of a larger whole. In circles, Emerson encourages readers to embrace this interconnectedness and to see themselves as part of a larger cosmic order. He also suggests that by understanding the circular nature of the universe, we can better understand our own place within it and our relationship to others. Overall, Emerson’s concept of circles is a powerful symbol of unity and interconnectedness that continues to resonate with readers today.

The Symbolism of Circles in Emerson’s Writing

In Ralph Waldo Emerson’s essay “Circles,” the author explores the symbolism of circles and their significance in human life. Emerson argues that circles represent the cyclical nature of existence, where everything is interconnected and constantly in motion. He suggests that the circular form is a symbol of unity, wholeness, and completeness, and that it reflects the natural order of the universe. Throughout the essay, Emerson uses various examples to illustrate the power of circles, from the circular motion of the planets to the circular patterns of human thought and behavior. He suggests that by embracing the circular nature of life, we can achieve a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world around us. Ultimately, Emerson’s exploration of circles serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness of all things and the importance of embracing the cyclical nature of existence.

The Theme of Unity in Circles

One of the most prominent themes in Ralph Waldo Emerson’s essay “Circles” is the idea of unity. Throughout the essay, Emerson emphasizes the interconnectedness of all things and the importance of recognizing and embracing this unity. He argues that everything in the universe is connected in a circular pattern, and that this pattern is essential to understanding the nature of reality. This theme of unity is reflected in the structure of the essay itself, which is circular in nature and builds upon itself in a series of concentric circles. By exploring the theme of unity in “Circles,” Emerson encourages readers to see the world in a new way and to recognize the interconnectedness of all things.

Circles as a Metaphor for Life

Circles have been used as a metaphor for life since ancient times. The shape of a circle represents wholeness, completeness, and infinity. It has no beginning or end, just like life. Ralph Waldo Emerson, in his essay “Circles,” explores the symbolism and themes associated with circles. He argues that life is a series of circles, each one encompassing the previous one and leading to the next. This idea is reflected in the structure of his essay, which is divided into concentric circles. Emerson believes that we must embrace the circular nature of life and find meaning in the journey rather than the destination. He encourages us to let go of our attachment to linear thinking and embrace the cyclical nature of existence. By doing so, we can find peace and fulfillment in the present moment, rather than constantly striving for something in the future. The metaphor of circles is a powerful one, reminding us that life is a journey, not a destination, and that we must embrace the ups and downs, the beginnings and endings, and the twists and turns along the way.

The Significance of the Center in Circles

The center of a circle holds great significance in Ralph Waldo Emerson’s essay “Circles.” According to Emerson, the center represents the individual’s soul or innermost being. He argues that the soul is constantly expanding and contracting, just like a circle, and that it is only through the center that one can find balance and harmony.

Emerson also suggests that the center is where one can find truth and enlightenment. He writes, “The eye is the first circle; the horizon which it forms is the second; and throughout nature this primary figure is repeated without end.” This repetition of the circle in nature, according to Emerson, is a reflection of the divine and the eternal.

Furthermore, the center of a circle represents unity and interconnectedness. Emerson writes, “The eye is the first circle; the horizon which it forms is the second; and throughout nature this primary figure is repeated without end.” This repetition of the circle in nature, according to Emerson, is a reflection of the divine and the eternal.

In conclusion, the center of a circle holds great significance in Emerson’s essay “Circles.” It represents the individual’s soul, truth and enlightenment, and unity and interconnectedness. Through the exploration of this symbol, Emerson encourages readers to seek balance and harmony within themselves and with the world around them.

The Importance of Self-Reliance in Circles

Self-reliance is a crucial theme in Ralph Waldo Emerson’s essay “Circles.” The author emphasizes the importance of relying on oneself rather than depending on others for guidance and validation. Emerson argues that individuals should trust their own instincts and intuition, rather than conforming to societal norms and expectations. This message is particularly relevant in today’s society, where people are often pressured to conform to the opinions and beliefs of others. By embracing self-reliance, individuals can develop a sense of independence and self-confidence, which can lead to personal growth and fulfillment. In “Circles,” Emerson encourages readers to break free from the constraints of conformity and embrace their own unique perspectives and ideas. This message is a powerful reminder of the importance of self-reliance in both personal and professional circles.

The Role of Nature in Circles

Nature plays a significant role in Ralph Waldo Emerson’s essay “Circles.” Emerson believed that nature was a reflection of the divine and that it held the key to understanding the universe. In “Circles,” he uses nature as a metaphor for the cyclical nature of life and the interconnectedness of all things. He writes, “The eye is the first circle; the horizon which it forms is the second; and throughout nature this primary figure is repeated without end.” This idea of the circle as a symbol of unity and wholeness is a recurring theme in Emerson’s work, and it is particularly prominent in “Circles.” Through his use of nature imagery, Emerson encourages readers to see themselves as part of a larger, interconnected whole and to embrace the cyclical nature of life.

The Relationship between Circles and Transcendentalism

Circles, a literary work by Ralph Waldo Emerson, is a profound piece of literature that explores the relationship between circles and transcendentalism. Transcendentalism is a philosophical movement that emphasizes the importance of individualism, intuition, and the spiritual connection between humans and nature. Emerson, who was a prominent figure in the transcendentalist movement, believed that circles were a symbol of the interconnectedness of all things in the universe. In Circles, he uses the metaphor of a circle to illustrate the cyclical nature of life and the interconnectedness of all things. He argues that everything in the universe is connected and that each individual is a part of a larger whole. This idea is central to transcendentalism, which emphasizes the importance of the individual’s connection to nature and the universe. Through his use of circles, Emerson encourages readers to embrace their individuality while recognizing their place in the larger scheme of things.

The Spiritual and Philosophical Implications of Circles

Circles have long been a symbol of unity, wholeness, and infinity. In spiritual and philosophical contexts, circles represent the cyclical nature of life and the interconnectedness of all things. Ralph Waldo Emerson’s essay “Circles” delves into these themes and explores the idea that everything is connected and constantly in motion. He argues that we must embrace the circular nature of life and accept that change is inevitable. This acceptance, he believes, will lead to a greater understanding of ourselves and the world around us. The circular motif in Emerson’s writing serves as a reminder that everything is part of a larger whole and that we are all connected in some way. By embracing this interconnectedness, we can find meaning and purpose in our lives and strive towards a greater understanding of the universe.

The Relevance of Circles in Modern Society

Circles have been a symbol of unity and wholeness since ancient times, and their relevance in modern society cannot be overstated. In today’s world, where division and polarization seem to be the norm, the idea of coming together in a circle to share ideas and perspectives is more important than ever. Circles can be found in various aspects of modern society, from support groups to business meetings, and they serve as a reminder that we are all interconnected and that our actions have an impact on those around us. In Ralph Waldo Emerson’s essay “Circles,” he explores the symbolism and themes of circles, and his insights are still relevant today. By examining the ways in which circles are used in modern society, we can gain a deeper understanding of their significance and the role they play in bringing people together.

The Impact of Circles on Emerson’s Other Works

Emerson’s concept of circles has had a profound impact on his other works, particularly his essays and lectures. In “The Over-Soul,” he writes about the interconnectedness of all things and how each individual is a part of a larger whole. This idea is similar to the concept of circles, where each circle represents a different aspect of the universe, but all are connected and interdependent. In “Self-Reliance,” Emerson encourages individuals to trust their own instincts and not conform to societal norms. This idea is also reflected in circles, where each individual circle represents a unique perspective and contribution to the larger whole. Overall, Emerson’s concept of circles has influenced his philosophy of individualism and interconnectedness, which is evident throughout his body of work.

The Influence of Circles on Other Writers and Thinkers

Ralph Waldo Emerson’s essay “Circles” has had a profound impact on other writers and thinkers throughout history. One of the most notable examples is the American poet and essayist, Walt Whitman. In his poem “Song of Myself,” Whitman writes, “I am the poet of the Body and I am the poet of the Soul, / The pleasures of heaven are with me and the pains of hell are with me, / The first I graft and increase upon myself, the latter I translate into a new tongue.” This passage reflects the idea of the interconnectedness of all things that Emerson explores in “Circles.” Whitman also shares Emerson’s belief in the importance of individualism and self-reliance, as seen in his famous line, “Do I contradict myself? Very well then I contradict myself, / (I am large, I contain multitudes.)” Other writers and thinkers who have been influenced by Emerson’s ideas include Henry David Thoreau, Margaret Fuller, and William James. The enduring legacy of “Circles” is a testament to Emerson’s ability to inspire and challenge readers to think deeply about the nature of existence and their place in the world.

The Literary Techniques Used in Circles

In Ralph Waldo Emerson’s essay “Circles,” the author employs various literary techniques to convey his ideas about the interconnectedness of all things. One of the most prominent techniques used is metaphor, as Emerson compares the natural world to a series of concentric circles. He writes, “The eye is the first circle; the horizon which it forms is the second; and throughout nature this primary figure is repeated without end.” This metaphorical language helps to illustrate Emerson’s belief that everything in the universe is connected and interdependent.

Another literary technique used in “Circles” is repetition. Emerson repeats the phrase “the eye is the first circle” several times throughout the essay, emphasizing the importance of perception and perspective in understanding the world around us. He also repeats the phrase “nothing is secure but life” to underscore the fleeting nature of existence and the need to embrace the present moment.

Emerson also employs imagery to create vivid descriptions of the natural world and its cycles. He writes, “The sun illuminates only the eye of the man, but shines into the eye and the heart of the child.” This image of the sun illuminating the heart of a child suggests the purity and innocence of youth, and the idea that we must return to a childlike state of wonder and curiosity in order to fully appreciate the interconnectedness of all things.

Overall, the literary techniques used in “Circles” help to convey Emerson’s complex ideas about the nature of existence and the interconnectedness of all things. Through metaphor, repetition, and imagery, Emerson creates a rich and layered text that invites readers to contemplate the mysteries of the universe and their place within it.

An Analysis of the Language and Style in Circles

In Ralph Waldo Emerson’s essay “Circles,” the language and style used are reflective of his transcendentalist beliefs. The language is often poetic and metaphorical, with Emerson using imagery to convey his ideas. For example, he describes the “circles” as “the procession of the soul” and “the orbit of things.” This language creates a sense of mysticism and spirituality, which is a key aspect of transcendentalism.

Emerson’s style is also characterized by repetition and circularity, which reinforces the theme of interconnectedness. He repeats phrases such as “the eye is the first circle” and “the world is a series of circles,” emphasizing the cyclical nature of existence. This style also creates a sense of unity and harmony, as everything is connected in a circular pattern.

Overall, the language and style in “Circles” contribute to the essay’s themes of interconnectedness and spirituality. Emerson’s use of poetic language and circular style create a sense of unity and harmony, which is central to his transcendentalist beliefs.

The Historical Context of Circles

To fully understand the symbolism and themes present in Ralph Waldo Emerson’s essay “Circles,” it is important to consider the historical context in which it was written. Emerson was a leading figure in the Transcendentalist movement, which emerged in the mid-19th century as a response to the growing industrialization and materialism of American society. Transcendentalists believed in the inherent goodness of humanity and the natural world, and sought to transcend the limitations of traditional religion and societal norms through individualism and self-reliance. “Circles” reflects these beliefs, as Emerson explores the interconnectedness of all things and the importance of personal growth and self-discovery. Additionally, the essay was written during a time of great social and political upheaval, including the abolitionist movement and the Civil War. Emerson’s ideas about the power of the individual and the importance of spiritual growth were seen as a way to navigate these turbulent times and create a better future for all.

The Reception of Circles by Critics and Readers

The reception of Circles by both critics and readers has been mixed. Some have praised Emerson’s use of symbolism and his exploration of the interconnectedness of all things, while others have criticized the essay for being too abstract and difficult to understand. Some readers have found the essay to be inspiring and thought-provoking, while others have found it to be overly philosophical and lacking in practical application. Despite these differing opinions, Circles remains a significant work in Emerson’s oeuvre and continues to be studied and analyzed by scholars and readers alike.

The Legacy of Circles in American Literature

The use of circles as a literary symbol has a long and rich history in American literature. From the transcendentalist writings of Ralph Waldo Emerson to the modernist works of T.S. Eliot, circles have been used to represent a variety of themes and ideas. One of the most prominent uses of circles in American literature is found in Emerson’s essay “Circles,” which explores the cyclical nature of life and the interconnectedness of all things. This essay has had a lasting impact on American literature, inspiring writers to explore the symbolism and themes of circles in their own works. Today, the legacy of circles in American literature continues to inspire writers and readers alike, reminding us of the beauty and complexity of the world around us.

Emerson on Talent vs. Character, Our Resistance to Change, and the Key to True Personal Growth

By maria popova.

From Ralph Waldo Emerson’s Essays and Lectures ( public library ; free download ) — the same indispensable volume that gave us the great philosopher on the two essential requirements of true friendship — comes a layered and immeasurably insightful 1841 essay titled “Circles,” exploring the pillars of personal growth and how we can learn to stop resisting the very things that help us transcend our self-imposed limitations.

A century and a half before psychologists examined “the backfire effect” of our ideological stubbornness, Emerson considers how we arrive at our beliefs and why we have such a hard time with the uncomfortable luxury of changing our minds :

The key to every man is his thought. Sturdy and defying though he look, he has a helm which he obeys, which is the idea after which all his facts are classified. He can only be reformed by showing him a new idea which commands his own. The life of man is a self-evolving circle, which, from a ring imperceptibly small, rushes on all sides outwards to new and larger circles, and that without end. The extent to which this generation of circles, wheel without wheel, will go, depends on the force or truth of the individual soul. For it is the inert effort of each thought, having formed itself into a circular wave of circumstance … to heap itself on that ridge, and to solidify and hem in the life. But if the soul is quick and strong, it bursts over that boundary on all sides, and expands another orbit on the great deep, which also runs up into a high wave, with attempt again to stop and to bind. But the heart refuses to be imprisoned; in its first and narrowest pulses, it already tends outward with a vast force, and to immense and innumerable expansions.

The balance of steadfastness and spontaneity that jazz legend Bill Evans saw as necessary for his art , Emerson sees as necessary for the art of personal development:

Let me remind the reader that I am only an experimenter. Do not set the least value on what I do, or the least discredit on what I do not, as if I pretended to settle any thing as true or false. I unsettle all things. No facts are to me sacred; none are profane; I simply experiment, an endless seeker… Yet this incessant movement and progression which all things partake could never become sensible to us but by contrast to some principle of fixture or stability in the soul.

In a sentiment that Bertrand Russell would come to echo nearly a century later in his ten timeless commandments of learning — “Do not fear to be eccentric in opinion, for every opinion now accepted was once eccentric.” — Emerson considers our resistance to change, both as individuals and as a culture:

Every ultimate fact is only the first of a new series… The new statement is always hated by the old, and, to those dwelling in the old, comes like an abyss of skepticism. […] In nature every moment is new; the past is always swallowed and forgotten… Nothing is secure but life, transition, the energizing spirit. No love can be bound by oath or covenant to secure it against a higher love. No truth so sublime but it may be trivial to-morrow in the light of new thoughts. People wish to be settled; only as far as they are unsettled is there any hope for them. Life is a series of surprises.

But Emerson’s most pressing point has to do with how this courage for embracing uncertainty and change — especially unwelcome change — is the foundation of what we call character:

The difference between talents and character is adroitness to keep the old and trodden round, and power and courage to make a new road to new and better goals. Character makes an overpowering present; a cheerful, determined hour, which fortifies all the company, by making them see that much is possible and excellent that was not thought of. Character dulls the impression of particular events. When we see the conqueror, we do not think much of any one battle or success… The great man is not convulsible or tormentable; events pass over him without much impression. People say sometimes, ‘See what I have overcome; see how cheerful I am; see how completely I have triumphed over these black events.’ Not if they still remind me of the black event. True conquest is the causing the calamity to fade and disappear, as an early cloud of insignificant result in a history so large and advancing.

He returns to the notion of life’s self-evolving circle:

The one thing which we seek with insatiable desire is to forget ourselves, to be surprised out of our propriety, to lose our sempiternal memory, and to do something without knowing how or why; in short, to draw a new circle. Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm. The way of life is wonderful: it is by abandonment. The great moments of history are the facilities of performance through the strength of ideas… They ask the aid of wild passions… to ape in some manner these flames and generosities of the heart.

Emerson’s Essays and Lectures is a sublimely rewarding read in its entirety, full of enduring wisdom on discipline, language, love, beauty, ethics, illusion, self-reliance, and nearly every other substantial aspect of the human experience. Complement it with fifteen ideas for self-refinement through the wisdom of the ages , including one from Emerson himself.

— Published January 26, 2015 — https://www.themarginalian.org/2015/01/26/emerson-circles/ —

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Emerson's essays

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Emerson's Essays: The Complete First & Second Series

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Emerson's language is his greatest achievement in terms of eloquence and understanding. It is consistent with everything else in the language after Shakespeare.

Richard Bloom Here are some of Ralph Waldo Emerson's most famous pieces, including the call to "Self-Reliance," the thorny realizations of "Circles" and "Experience," and the revolutionary accomplishment of "Nature." Emerson, who has been our nation's most persuasive advocate for individualism, also admits the forces that American society exerts against individualism. While praising what he refers to as "the great and crescive self," he dramatizes and documents its vicissitudes. His numerous essays on history, art, politics, friendship, love, and other topics are also included here.

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