"Life is our dictionary."

In "The American Scholar" Emerson expresses his views on education at the present time. He expresses his concern of having Americans rely on others too much for new information. In fact, he feels that new information almost ceases to exist. It seems as if he feels that Americans rely on the past only, and have almost lost the initiative and will to progress and find their own truth and meaning.

I think all Americans hope that there will, one day, be a time where we do not have to rely on others for resources, technologies, or new information. Americans, by nature, seem to want to be the leader of the pack. I feel that Emerson would hold onto this belief. He would insist that Americans use their own brains to propel the country to the top. Although we are a leader, we do not possess the greatest methods of education, most knowledgable scientists, or most intellectual thinkers. We are a leader, but not at the head of the pack. I think Emerson would urge Americans to renew their own interests in education, truth, and progression.

Emerson stresses that each person in an individual. He points that that each person is capable of creating new ideas, finding new truths, and bringing a new light onto a situation. Each person has different responsibilities and interests, but that's the beauty of it. Each person can contribute something new, even if only slightly different from another. But, he also points out that not only one person possesses all knowledge or truth or power. All people must be open about their information and thoughts. Sharing information is key to progression. Today, Emerson may point out that people are selfish. People are concerned too much with money and power. He may even point out that the selfishness of our people has hindered our own country's development.

I feel that Emerson would stress expression. He may even congratulate the invention of such things as the Internet or social networks. These make sharing information much easier than before. However, he might also find this as a hindrance because people may rely too much on the thoughts of others, never creating their own. Media may be seen as a method of control for the wrong people. People are influenced by society, but should be constantly learning for themselves, which brings up the next point of Emerson's.

He points out that books are for idle times. While books are great tools at some points, they can be abused. Today, students tend to find the easy way out. They copy other's words, use the Internet to find meanings of things, and almost shut their own brains off in order to get things done. College and school to some have become a stepping stone to future riches and power. Emerson may be disappointed in our youth because they seem to not be as motivated as they should be. Cuts are constantly being made to our educational system. The important things in our country, such as education, is falling behind in importance to things such as wealth and power. Because of the forgotten importance, our own country is falling behind that of others when we used to be a very influential leader. We are setting our own people up for failure.

There should be a constant cycle. Knowledge exists in books, but that knowledge should be taken in, and used as a foundation. A person should never accept another's thoughts solely as their own. There should be a constant questioning occurring. Everything is tied together and influenced by one another, but it's the scholar's responsibility to realize when to think for himself, when to build from the past. The past's findings may not fit the present's or future's needs. A generation must find their own truths. Young people may not realize their importance in the cycle. They are the ones who have a chance to bring forth new information and new findings. Any information or knowledge may feed the human mind.

I feel that Emerson would think that laziness has overcome the nation. We have problems that exist that could have easy solutions if people would put their minds to it. We care more about relationships with other countries than we do our own citizens. Our Congress has ruined a presidency that could have soared due a struggle of power. We have people stuck in the past, unwilling to move forward. I feel like Emerson would point out that it is our leaders' duty to inspire their people, to provide initiative. The same could go for schools and colleges. Students need to be motivated, maybe need to be shown the true meaning of knowledge and truth. Some people love to learn, but not to think freely. Some people just like to immerse themselves in information that is accepted and already known.

While some people just complete high school and go to college because it's supposed to happen, some people really do want to find the cure for cancer, solve global warming, fix our economy, and be innovators.

Emerson says, "Life is our dictionary." Emerson would encourage people to learn from life. We have many instances in the past that we may learn from. Only our own experiences truly define the meaning of life. Emerson would encourage our citizens today to go out and live life.