The Natural History of Intellect Summary and Analysis

In The Natural History of Intellect: Chapter 69: Representative Men, Emerson writes a unique Pantheon course of lectures using great men as educators; the list includes no Americans. Emerson sees great people as being examples and symbols and uses them to show that there are no common men. After discussing each of the men included in this series of lectures, the chapter ends with Emerson agreeing with Goethe that we must put what we know into practice.

In The Natural History of Intellect: Chapter 70: The Lecturer, many changes are taking place with the replacement of old faces with new ones. Emerson begins his lecture series on great men; the author then looks back at Emerson's extensive career as a lecturer, including how taxing it was on him, though often enjoyable, and the fact that...