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Ralph Waldo Emerson (May 25, 1803 – April 27, 1882) was a famous American writer and poet. He's considered to be the father of the Transcendentalist movement, which stressed self-reliance and [[RousseauWasRight the inner good of man]]. Emerson encouraged Americans to think for themselves rather than copy what the Europeans were doing, and he played a huge role in shaping a unique American philosophy. Famous for being very quotable -- it was Emerson who came up with the name "the shot heard round the world" to describe [[UsefulNotes/TheAmericanRevolution the Battles of Lexington and Concord]].

Emerson was also Creator/HenryDavidThoreau's mentor, and the godfather to famous psychologist William James.
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!!Provides examples of:
* RenownedSelectiveMentor: To Creator/HenryDavidThoreau
* ThePhilosopher: One of many.
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