“History”
Last Updated on May 6, 2015, by eNotes Editorial. Word Count: 92
“History” condenses an entire series of lectures on the philosophy of history that Emerson had delivered after giving up his Unitarian pulpit in 1839. The philosophy is essentially mystical: History is the record of the universal mind, and people are “inlets” to that universal mind (which in the ninth lecture...
(The entire section contains 92 words.)
Unlock This Study Guide Now
Start your 48-hour free trial to unlock this Essays: First Series study guide. You'll get access to all of the Essays: First Series content, as well as access to more than 30,000 additional guides and more than 350,000 Homework Help questions answered by our experts.
- Summary
- Analysis
Already a member? Log in here.
“History” condenses an entire series of lectures on the philosophy of history that Emerson had delivered after giving up his Unitarian pulpit in 1839. The philosophy is essentially mystical: History is the record of the universal mind, and people are “inlets” to that universal mind (which in the ninth lecture Emerson will call the over-soul) in that they have unmediated access to the wisdom of the ages. The essay might be summarized in an aphorism found in the eighth paragraph: “There is properly no history; only biography.” Individual experience shows us universal experience.
