21 November 2022 at 17:01
Young Waldo William Emerson, distinguished minister of Boston’s First Church, drew his congregation with him into Unitarianism. So Ralph Waldo, born in 1803, the fourth of William’s eight children, grew up in a climate that prized learning, and culture – and became, himself, a Unitarian minister. William died when Waldo was age 8, and the family was plunged into poverty. His Aunt Mary, William’s sister, was Waldo’s dominant influence. She taught him aphorisms he would teach his children: "Lift your aims." "Always do what you are afraid to do." "Despise trifles." "Turn up your nose at glory, honor, and money." "Oh, blessed, blessed poverty." She introduced Waldo to Hindu scriptures and Neoplatonism, and her openness to natural r...