As a whole his ideas fortunately

[1x7]



Remembrances of Emerson

cannot be formulated into a philosophy
or creed unless indeed his constant
tropes be taken literally, and it is too
late for that ; we have just escaped the
long reign of literalism and shall not
soon put our necks under the yoke of
Asiatic symbols. Yet Emerson's views,
ideal and impossible as they may seem
to be, will serve a man very well when
any of the real issues of life are to be
met. There was never any question
where those ideals would take Emer-
son himself, nor on which side he
would be found when the opposing
forces of freedom and slavery, of prog-
ress and conservatism should meet in
peace or war. Some internal magnet,
not to be deflected by public opinion,
majorities, or popularity, pointed to the
star of his hopes and convictions. I am
impressed with the fact that he never
[ii8]



Emerson s Influence on Young Men

made any mistakes throughout his ca-
reer. He faced one way and continued
to face that way. He never had to re-
cant, to make a new start, to modify or
apologize. Instead, he went forward
with an even, undeviating step, applying
his leading thought, namely, the im-
portance of the individual, his identity
with nature and nature with itself, and
above all insisting on the moral point
of view through every subject that he
discussed from his first word to his last.
