The collection Letters from an American Farmer by Michel-Guillaume Jean de Crèvecur, written in the late 18th century, addresses the contrast between European decadence and the potential for societal renewal in America. Crèvecur's essays reflect his yearning for a simpler, harmonious life in the wilderness and his observations on American society. While he highlights the promise of the New World, he also acknowledges its shortcomings and complexities.

Envisioning a New Society

In 1759, as Voltaire’s Candide circulated, Crèvecur was busy establishing his own version of paradise on the Pennsylvania frontier. Like Voltaire’s protagonist, he had witnessed too many of civilization’s dark sides and longed for the serenity of rural life. For nearly two decades, he enjoyed this peace until the American Revolution disrupted his tranquil existence.

The essays in Letters from an American Farmer emerge from the pen of someone unfamiliar with writing. Yet, the first letter clearly sets the stage: European civilization's decay makes the American frontier a beacon of hope for human regeneration. Crèvecur contrasts the desolation of ancient European ruins with the vibrant new communities forming in America, where settlers transform vast forests into arable fields, creating provinces founded on simple living and political balance. He likens his mind to "a Tabula rasa," eager to inscribe a fresh society and an ideal existence onto the American landscape. Although he is often seen as a romantic with Lockean influences, Crèvecur remains grounded enough to recognize that realities are not always ideal. His work is a raw, at times eloquent, effort to assert that the ideal life advocated by Rousseau is achievable.

A Humble Approach to Writing

Crèvecur approaches his writing with humility, admitting his struggles with English, which he learned at sixteen. He pledges to write as he speaks, though his style often lacks the ease of conversation. Only occasionally does his conviction ignite a spark of eloquence, suggesting the challenge faced by a man of feelings not finesse.

A Glimpse of Rural Idyllic Life

The imagery Crèvecur paints may seem overly quaint by modern standards. He describes scenes of familial bliss, with his child playing nearby and his wife admiring the fields, while birds chirp melodiously overhead. Despite the idyllic tone, these reflections are drawn from his real experiences living at the edge of wilderness, far removed from the comforts of New England society. Unlike Thoreau’s retreat at Walden Pond, Crèvecur’s life was one of responsibility, cultivating land and ensuring sustenance for his family and any wanderers who came to his door. His deep sense of social duty and pride in its fulfillment set him apart from the more solitary philosopher.

Defining the American Identity

The third essay, "What Is an American?" attracted the interest of luminaries like Benjamin Franklin and the Enlightenment Europeans with its observations: America was not a land of oppressive aristocracy and impoverished masses. Instead, it offered a more balanced society free from the entrenched hierarchies of Europe. Although Crèvecur’s account was optimistic, he did not suggest that perfection had been attained. He acknowledges that as one moves west, religious influence wanes, potentially leading to societal strife. Nevertheless, he takes solace in the relative lack of religious conflict in America compared to Europe.

Challenges and Successes in the New World

Crèvecur acknowledges that success in America is reserved for the diligent and honest, as illustrated in "History of Andrew, the Hebridean," a narrative echoing the rags-to-riches tales of Horatio Alger. This story of a Scotsman who prospers through hard work exemplifies the potential of the New World, although Franklin warned that Crèvecur’s portrayal was perhaps overly rosy.

Nature’s Influence

Nature imagery permeates Crèvecur’s...