The Conduct of Life and Society and Solitude

Exploring the complexities of human existence and the extent of personal agency, this collection of essays reflects Ralph Waldo Emerson's profound philosophical insights. As a pivotal figure in 19th-century American literature and the founder of Transcendentalism, Emerson integrates Eastern wisdom, particularly from the Bhagavad Gita, with his optimistic worldview. The Conduct of Life, drawn from his mature reflections, showcases his influence on notable contemporaries like Thoreau and Whitman, making it a significant work in American thought.