Ralph Waldo Emerson

How would you describe the everyday observations you make in our modern day? Ralph Waldo Emerson one said “Perception is not whimsical, but fatal. If I see a trait, my children will see it after me, and in course of time, all mankind, -- although it may chance that no one has seen it before me. For my perception of it is as much a fact as the sun.” Ralph Waldo Emerson had an outlook on life that people in the present should truly focus on. He perceived people to be thinkers, although he felt the actual act of speaking your mind had sincere hesitation. That statement is still true to this day. If he were to return and walk the earth, he would thoroughly be overwhelmed with society today. Christmas in American Society, for example, has lost its true meaning. It should be a time to celebrate not only one’s religion, but it is also a time to celebrate family and friends. Today, not only has Christmas lost its true meaning, but most Americans have lost the true meaning of living your life, freely and openly. “…Perception is not whimsical, but fatal. If I see a trait, my children will see it after me, and in course of time, all mankind, -- although it may chance that no one has seen it before me. For my perception of it is as much a fact as the sun.” Webster defines perception as an immediate or intuitive recognition. Imagine Emerson strolling about the Freehold mall at a chaotic time such as Christmas. His perception of people would be entirely negative. The hustle and bustle of the season unfortunately leaves people feeling stressed and in a negative state of mind. The quote above describes how observing someone can be fatal, because of the perception one receives. And worse, he describes how children would then recognize these traits and carry them throughout their lives. This would then carry onto mankind, and continue with the vicious cycle. We live in a world where materialistic things show more of a persons worth than their own self. We live in a world