Farming Summary and Analysis

The farmer is the "continuous benefactor" of mankind; his works feed and often clothe others who make the laws, decide fashion trends, discover scientific principles, and generally turn the wheels of civilization, according to Emerson. The farmer has "a strength and plain dignity" like that of nature; the hard work of farming is not done by university professors or poets but by "men of endurance—deep-chested, long-winded, tough, slow and sure, and timely" Emerson says. The farmer is blessed to work in and live close to nature but one should not "paint him in rose-color," for his work is that of necessity and generally yields him a very modest income. The farmer, says Emerson, has the same innocent, pure nature that we admire in children and in animals. He has "constitutional excellence," Emerson says.