Context: In this oration, delivered at Harvard in 1837, Emerson explores the nature and duties of the scholar, especially the American scholar. The true scholar is "Man Thinking," the self-trusting man who fearlessly refuses to "defer . . . to the popular cry." The scholar is influenced by Nature, the complement of the human soul, and by Books, which reflect the inspiration of the Oversoul. The scholar should read only enough of a book to see how the author has transmuted "life into truth." The American scholar should break free of Europe and develop his own soul and his own culture. Books are of value only as an inspiration. "The one thing in the world, of value, is the active soul . . . The soul active sees absolute truth and utters truth, or creates. In this action it is genius . . . genius looks forward . . . genius creates." Action is essential to the scholar; "Man Thinking must not be subdued by his instruments." Action and labor produce wisdom: "Only so much do I know, as I have lived." "Life is our dictionary." The scholar's duty is "to cheer, to raise, and to guide men by showing them facts amidst appearances." He is a free man and a fearless leader. A genius with a firm will and a strong character is always accepted as a leader, and his spiritual power is evident in any situation: