Spiritual anarchy in Emerson: the infinitude of the private man

(EN) Spiritual Anarchy in Emerson: The Infinitude of the Private Man The central focus of the thesis is a critical study of anarchistic ideas vital and alive in the major literary works of R. W. Emerson. Included in the thesis is a general layout of the history and major figures of anarchism as well as its definitions, bearing in mind the fact that anarchy is indeed a broad river with as many diverse streams and currents as there are individuals striving for freedom. I explore the common ground between Emersonian ideas and Eastern mysticism and Greek thought to establish the central anarchistic themes present and their relevance thereof. Throughout the history of human kind individual needs, values and aspirations inevitably clash against the restrictive norms of the society and state. Yet, although the outcries defending freedom have been solitary, its energy and genius have aroused the appraisal of many whose longing for liberation has not been down-trodden with social estrangements; among such was Henry David Thoreau who in turn played out the intelectually and spiritually sophisticated insights of Emerson into the practical experience of everyday living and being. His insistence on a simple and fulfilling life, bereft of materialistic concerns and hindrances, in complete harmony with nature,..