The importance of the Romantic period and the meaning of its ideas for the development of the United States can not be overestimated. Ralph Waldo Emerson as its ingenious prototype for the American Scholar formulated ideas that created a base for a transcending Civil Religion that seems to be the foundation of the American self-concept.
This Civil Religion was also the base for the politics of one of the most conservative politicians of the 20th century, Ronald Reagan. In my work I want to show that Emerson's ideas and the politics of Ronald Reagan don't exclude each other. Both, Emerson and Reagan, can be regarded as excellent speakers and writers, well versed in their rhetoric means. I want to show that there is a common ground where the ideas and the rhetoric of these seemingly contradictory characters meet, which supports the idea of an overaching truth within the minds of the American people.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Emerson and Democracy
3. Emerson and Politics
4. Words that have Wings
5. The Great Communicator
6. Conclusion
Objectives & Core Topics
The primary objective of this study is to examine the intellectual connection between the transcendental philosophy of Ralph Waldo Emerson and the political agenda and rhetoric of Ronald Reagan. By analyzing historical continuity and the use of political messaging, the paper investigates whether Emersonian values regarding individualism, power, and the "American Dream" served as a foundational framework for Reagan's presidency.
- The conceptual intersection of Emersonian transcendentalism and modern conservatism.
- The evolution and application of presidential rhetoric as a tool for political leadership.
- The concept of "Civil Religion" in American politics and its role in crisis management.
- An analysis of how Emerson’s principles regarding power and wealth parallel 1980s economic policies.
- The role of the president as a "Great Communicator" and symbol of national identity.
Excerpt from the Book
Emerson and Democracy
Before analyzing Emerson’s conception of politics, it is necessary to take a closer look at him and his reaction to the general moral concepts of his time. Emerson was born in 1803, at a time when the nation was still very young and democracy in its spring. After the uprising against the colonial rule of the old world and the signature of the Declaration of Independence in 1776, America became a sovereign state. This state “was committed to the principle of democracy by the logic of the Revolution.” (Gabriel 1938: 3) This principle ought to give hope to the people’s minds and stability to their lives. But it was “rather the village church” and not the Constitution that guaranteed social stability (cf. Gabriel 1938: 4) What people needed was something to keep faith with. “We are born believing,” said Emerson, adding that a “man bears beliefs as a tree bears apples.” (Emerson 1883: 195)
Under this presumption, we may not solely regard democracy as a political system but a collection of ideas and values. From the early 19th century until today, there have been two notions of democracy in America. The first is realistic democracy which includes free elections, political parties and the striving for political offices. The other connotation is more romantic and connects democracy to a cluster of ideas and values which define the national faith and give people something to believe in; a Civil Religion (cf. Gabriel 1938: 5) Ralph H. Gabriel made up four principles that Civil Religion is based on. The first is the “concept of the free, rational and responsible individual” who lives free to make his/her own decisions. The second principle was the conviction that human society needs to be supported by “a framework of fixed principles,” namely laws given by the government. The third principle is the “idea of progress,” which has its roots in the American westward expansion of the 19th century.
Summary of Chapters
Introduction: This chapter establishes the historical context of Romanticism and Transcendentalism, identifying Ralph Waldo Emerson as a central figure in shaping American intellectual identity.
Emerson and Democracy: This section explores Emerson’s evolving views on democracy, contrasting his early skepticism with a later, spiritually-oriented "transcendental democracy" that emphasizes individual responsibility.
Emerson and Politics: The chapter analyzes Emerson’s essays "Power" and "Wealth," focusing on the balance between individual reliance and the role of the state in maintaining a moral society.
Words that have Wings: This chapter examines the power of rhetorical speech in the "Rhetorical Presidency," specifically looking at how language acts as a catalyst for political identity and national unity.
The Great Communicator: This section details Ronald Reagan’s rise to power, drawing parallels between his political agenda and the Emersonian emphasis on the American Dream and self-reliance.
Conclusion: The final chapter synthesizes the findings, arguing that Reagan effectively repurposed Emersonian themes to act as the political personification of American values during the 1980s.
Keywords
Ralph Waldo Emerson, Ronald Reagan, Transcendentalism, Civil Religion, Presidential Rhetoric, Individualism, American Dream, Great Communicator, Political Philosophy, Democracy, Power, Wealth, Self-Reliance, Conservatism, American Identity.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this research paper?
The paper explores the thematic parallels between the transcendentalist philosophy of Ralph Waldo Emerson and the political rhetoric and agenda of the 40th U.S. President, Ronald Reagan.
What are the primary themes addressed in the work?
Key themes include the evolution of American democracy, the role of Civil Religion in national identity, the application of political rhetoric, and the intersection of individual ethics with government policy.
What is the central research question?
The author seeks to determine whether Reagan’s political communication can be seen as an application of Emersonian ideals, or if he was simply a figurehead for broader national sentiments.
What methodology is employed to analyze these figures?
The study uses a qualitative, comparative analysis of primary texts (Emerson's essays) and historical primary sources (Reagan's speeches) to identify rhetorical and philosophical parallels.
What does the main body of the text cover?
The main body covers Emerson’s concepts of power and wealth, the history of the "Rhetorical Presidency," and how Reagan utilized these concepts to foster a spiritual and political revolution in the 1980s.
Which keywords best characterize the study?
The work is best characterized by terms such as Transcendentalism, Civil Religion, Presidential Rhetoric, Individualism, and the Great Communicator.
How does the author define Reagan’s connection to Emerson?
The author argues that while Reagan was not an direct disciple of Emerson, both men tapped into the same "Civil Religion"—a set of bedrock American values regarding liberty, individual strength, and optimism.
What role did the "Evil Empire" speech play in the author's analysis?
The speech is cited as a prime example of how Reagan framed global politics within a higher moral context of "good versus evil," mirroring Emerson’s belief in the necessity of a moral foundation for society.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Rainer Holl (Autor:in), 2008, Ralph Waldo Emerson and the Politics of Ronald Reagan , München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/135052
