What is the theme of this essay?
What distinction does Emerson make between "the farmer" and "Man on the farm," between "the scholar" and "Man Thinking"?
Emerson speaks of the education of the scholar by nature, by books, and by action. Develop his idea of education by nature. What does Lowell say of the influence of nature on man in the early part of The Vision of Sir Launfal?
How does Emerson think the scholar should be educated by books? Explain his meaning in the following expressions about reading: "Yet hence arises a grave mischief" (p. 39); "Books are for the scholar's idle times" (p. 42); "One must be an inventor to read well" (p. 43).
To what extent is Emerson's idea of the use of books applicable to the high school student?
What is meant by "education by action"? Explain the following: "Only so much do I know, as I have lived" (p. 45), and "Life is our dictionary" (p. 47).
What are the duties of the scholar and how are they comprised in self-trust? (p. 49).
"In self-trust all the virtues are comprehended" (p. 52). Discuss this statement, showing what is meant by self-trust, what virtues are comprehended in it, and what virtues, if any, are not comprehended in it.
What new spirit in literature is noted on pp. 58 and 59?
Where, besides in literature, does Emerson find the same spirit?