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3 What does Emerson see as the most sacred aspect of a person?

Emerson, in his transcendentalist philosophy, saw the individual soul as the most sacred aspect of a person. This soul, he believed, was a divine spark, a connection to the universal Over-Soul, and the source of true self-reliance and moral guidance.

Here's how Emerson expressed this idea:

* "To go into solitude, a man needs to retire as much from his chamber as from society. I am not solitary whilst I read and write, though nobody is with me. But if a man would be alone, let him look at the stars. The rays that come from those heavenly worlds will separate between him and what he touches." (From "Nature")

* "The highest revelation is that God is in every man." (From "The Divinity School Address")

Emerson emphasized that each individual has the potential to tap into this inner divinity and live a life of authenticity and purpose. He believed that society often tries to stifle this inherent sacredness, leading people to conform and lose touch with their true selves.

Therefore, according to Emerson, the most sacred aspect of a person is not their social status, wealth, or accomplishments, but their unique and divinely inspired inner self.

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