Book 1, Nature, Addresses & Essays : Chapter 6, The Young American Summary and Analysis

This is the final lecture, and the last writings of the first book. This one was presented to a library association in 1844. The author begins by writing about the significance of the railroad and of other roadways. The development of the nation's infrastructure has great importance for the condition of the nation, and of the economy. Distribution systems rely upon these. Their neglect is something that undermine the nation's stability and security. Emerson then makes some effort to explain how this American perspective influences or directs the progress of the young men of the country. He cites the rise and fall of patriotism and how it effects him. The importance of trade needs to be noticed rather than overlooked. Emerson writes that the nobility of the highest...