Political Writings , book review, by Nishanth Balaji

 Book Review: Political Writings

By: Nishanth Balaji

Ralph Waldo Emerson is best known for his transcendental philosophy, with essays like Self-Reliance and Nature leaving a lasting impact on American thought. But while he is often associated with the world of ideas and individualism, his Political Writings reveal another layer of his intellectual legacy—his commitment to social justice, reform, and the power of individual moral action within society. In this collection of essays and addresses, Emerson delves into topics that are deeply relevant, even today, like slavery, democracy, and individual rights.

When you think of Emerson, politics might not be the first thing that comes to mind, but the Political Writings collection shows how much he cared about the state of society and how individuals should relate to government and power. If you’ve ever wondered how one of the greatest minds in American literature approached the pressing social issues of his day, Political Writings is an eye-opening read.

Emerson and the Question of Slavery

One of the standout features of Political Writings is how directly Emerson confronts the issue of slavery. As someone who believed deeply in the dignity and potential of every human being, he saw slavery as a moral evil that was fundamentally incompatible with his belief in individual freedom.

In his speech The Fugitive Slave Law, Emerson condemns the law that required citizens to return escaped slaves to their owners. What I found most interesting about this piece was how personal Emerson makes the issue. He doesn’t approach slavery as a distant, abstract political problem, but as something that demands a moral response from every individual. He challenges his audience, and by extension, us as readers, to ask ourselves: Will we stand by and watch injustice, or will we take a stand?

What struck me most was the passion Emerson brings to this subject. It’s easy to think of him as a calm, philosophical thinker, but in these writings, he’s a fiery advocate for justice. He reminds us that to stay silent in the face of oppression is to be complicit in it.

The Role of the Individual in Society

Emerson’s Political Writings often come back to one central theme: the power of the individual. Whether he’s discussing slavery, government, or reform, Emerson always emphasizes the importance of individual action and moral responsibility. This theme really resonated with me because it’s so easy to feel powerless in the face of big political issues. But Emerson insists that change starts with the individual—each of us has a role to play in creating a just society.

In Politics, Emerson critiques the government, arguing that it often becomes corrupt and disconnected from the true needs of the people. But rather than calling for revolution or sweeping reforms, he turns the focus back to the individual. According to Emerson, real change begins not with the government, but with individuals who act on their principles. He writes, “The less government we have, the better,” suggesting that as individuals become more self-reliant and morally strong, society as a whole will improve.

This was an interesting idea to think about because we often hear that the solution to political problems is more government intervention. Emerson flips this on its head, suggesting that we need less government and more empowered individuals. It made me think about how much responsibility we each have to live according to our values, rather than waiting for institutions to fix everything.

Reform and the Power of Ideas

Another major theme in Political Writings is reform. Emerson was living in a time of great social upheaval—slavery, women’s rights, and labor reform were all hot topics. What I found really powerful about Emerson’s approach to these issues is that he doesn’t just talk about political or legal reforms. Instead, he focuses on reforming the way people think.

In his address Man the Reformer, Emerson talks about how true reform comes from changing the way individuals understand their roles in society. He argues that real progress doesn’t come from passing new laws or changing institutions, but from individuals adopting new ideas and acting on them. I found this perspective refreshing because it emphasizes the power of ideas. In a world where it feels like political progress is slow or impossible, Emerson reminds us that the real work happens on a personal level, in the way we live our lives and challenge old ways of thinking.

For teens today, I think this is a really empowering message. It’s easy to feel like we’re too young to make a difference, or like we don’t have the power to change things. But Emerson’s Political Writings remind us that reform begins with ideas, and anyone can start that process by thinking critically and living according to their principles.

Emerson's Vision of Democracy

Finally, one of the most fascinating aspects of Emerson’s Political Writings is his vision of democracy. Unlike many thinkers of his time, who focused on the mechanics of government or political parties, Emerson takes a more philosophical approach. He sees democracy not just as a system of government, but as a reflection of the moral character of its people.

In The American Scholar, Emerson argues that a true democracy can only flourish when its citizens are educated, independent thinkers. He believes that the health of a democracy depends on the intellectual and moral strength of its people, rather than on its institutions. This really resonated with me because it highlights how important it is for each of us to take responsibility for our own education and moral development if we want to live in a just society.

What I found particularly relevant about Emerson’s take on democracy is that it places the burden of responsibility on the individual, rather than on politicians or political systems. He’s essentially saying that we get the government we deserve, based on how well we think and act as citizens. It’s a challenging idea because it forces us to look in the mirror and ask: Are we doing our part to contribute to a better society?

A Timeless Reflection on Justice and Individual Responsibility

Reading Ralph Waldo Emerson’s Political Writings was a thought-provoking experience. While many of the issues he addresses, like slavery or the role of government, are tied to his own historical context, the ideas he presents about justice, individual responsibility, and moral courage are timeless. In a world where political problems can feel overwhelming, Emerson’s emphasis on the power of the individual offers a refreshing perspective.

For teens like me, Political Writings is a reminder that we don’t have to wait for politicians or institutions to make the world a better place. Each of us has the power to make a difference, simply by living according to our beliefs and standing up for justice when we see it. Emerson’s essays challenge us to think critically, act morally, and take responsibility for the world we live in.

If you’re interested in philosophy or politics, I highly recommend reading Political Writings. Even though Emerson was writing over a century ago, his insights into human nature, society, and justice are as relevant today as they ever were. The collection is both a call to action and a deep reflection on the role of the individual in shaping a just society.

Works Cited

Ralph Waldo Emerson. Political Writings. Houghton, Mifflin and company, 1836.