Questions for Discussion

1. Explain Ralph Waldo Emerson’s attitude toward nature in paragraphs 1 and 2.

   Chapter 12 - from Nature - Questions for Discussion: Explain Ralph Waldo Emerson’s attitude toward nature in paragraphs 1 and 2.
2. In paragraph 4, Emerson writes, “I become a transparent eye-ball; I am nothing; I see all; the currents of the Universal Being circulate through me; I am part or particle of God.” From those words, how would you describe Emerson’s mental state here, and what has brought it about?

   Chapter 12 - from Nature - Questions for Discussion: In paragraph 4, Emerson writes, “I become a transparent eye-ball; I am nothing; I see all; the currents of the Universal Being circulate through me; I am part or particle of God.” From those words, how would you describe Emerson’s mental state here, and what has brought it about?
3. In paragraph 6, Emerson says, “Nature always wears the colors of the spirit.” What does he mean? Do you agree? In paragraph 4, Emerson says, “Crossing a bare common, in snow puddles, at twilight, under a clouded sky . . . I have enjoyed a perfect exhilaration.” Does this contradict his statement in paragraph 6? Explain how the relationship that Emerson describes between humans and nature works.

   Chapter 12 - from Nature - Questions for Discussion: In paragraph 6, Emerson says, “Nature always wears the colors of the spirit.” What does he mean? Do you agree? In paragraph 4, Emerson says, “Crossing a bare common, in snow puddles, at twilight, under a clouded sky . . . I have enjoyed a perfect exhilaration.” Does this contradict his statement in paragraph 6? Explain how the relationship that Emerson describes between humans and nature works.
4. In paragraphs 7–9, what does Emerson suggest about the human condition?

   Chapter 12 - from Nature - Questions for Discussion: In paragraphs 7–9, what does Emerson suggest about the human condition?
5. In paragraph 10, what is Emerson’s attitude toward the “useful arts”—what people now call technology? Would Emerson have the same attitude today? Why or why not?

   Chapter 12 - from Nature - Questions for Discussion: In paragraph 10, what is Emerson’s attitude toward the “useful arts”—what people now call technology? Would Emerson have the same attitude today? Why or why not?
6. In Part III of the selection, Emerson says that in regard to nature, loving its beauty is a nobler response than using it as a commodity. Do you agree or disagree? Explain why.

   Chapter 12 - from Nature - Questions for Discussion: In Part III of the selection, Emerson says that in regard to nature, loving its beauty is a nobler response than using it as a commodity. Do you agree or disagree? Explain why.
7. In paragraph 20, Emerson writes, “Nature stretcheth out her arms to embrace man, only let his thoughts be of equal greatness.” What does he mean? What does this statement imply about the relationship between nature and humankind?

   Chapter 12 - from Nature - Questions for Discussion: In paragraph 20, Emerson writes, “Nature stretcheth out her arms to embrace man, only let his thoughts be of equal greatness.” What does he mean? What does this statement imply about the relationship between nature and humankind?