This was the original
dual theory and foundation of the United States, as distinguish'd from
the feudal and ecclesiastical single idea of monarchies and papacies,
and the divine right of kings. (Kings have been of use, hitherto, as
representing the idea of the identity of nations. But, to American
democracy, _both_ ideas must be fulfill'd, and in my opinion the loss
of vitality of either one will indeed be the loss of vitality of the
other.)
EMERSON'S BOOKS, (THE SHADOWS OF THEM)
In the regions we call Nature, towering beyond all measurement,
with infinite spread, infinite depth and height--in those regions,
including Man, socially and historically, with his moral-emotional
influences--how small a part, (it came in my mind to-day,) has
literature really depicted--even summing up all of it, all ages.
Seems at its best some little fleet of boats, hugging the shores of
a boundless sea, and never venturing, exploring the unmapp'd--never,
Columbus-like, sailing out for New Worlds, and to complete the orb's
rondure. Emerson writes frequently in the atmosphere of this thought,
and his books report one or two things from that very ocean and air,
and more legibly address'd to our age and American polity than by any
man yet. But I will begin by scarifying him--thus proving that I am
not insensible to his deepest lessons. I will consider his books from
a democratic and western point of view. I will specify the shadows
on these sunny expanses. Somebody has said of heroic character that
"wherever the tallest peaks are present, must inevitably be deep
chasms and valleys.
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