In Nature, by Ralph Waldo Emerson, we are told that the way we view nature is wrong. We try to understand nature only through scientific theories or history that has been passed down to us. Instead we should directly immerse ourselves in nature, separate from old theories and create a new description of nature. Emerson explains that adults view nature at face value. We see the infinite stars in the sky and the various landscapes all around us often, but do not think much of it all. Instead we should view through the eyes of a child. A child appreciates nature for what it is, while the adult exploits it for selfish desires. The adult views farms by its property lines and its human ownership, while the child sees the entire landscape. We see the stars and view them as accessible because we can see them, but in reality they are inaccessible because of their distance from us. To see nature as it truly is, we must find solitude. We must not only separate ourselves from friends and our homes, but separate ourselves from society. This is because society is what makes us abide to old theories and histories, instead we need to progress and realize something new.
Emerson became the “transparent eyeball.” He was finally able to see nature without the lens of society. He found peace: “all mean egotism vanishes.” He finally became one with nature: “I am nothing. I see all.” In this instant he was no longer an adult restricted by society, but instead became a human which is a part of nature. Here he also goes a step further and says, “The currents of the Universal Being circulate through me; I am part or particle of God.” He truly felt 100% in tune with nature, but this portion stood out to me. During this time would saying, “I am part or particle of God” be considered blasphemy? Despite this blasphemy he was not shamed, and was still a Christian. I am able to partly connect with him becoming a “transparent eyeball” through all the experiences I’ve had hiking. While hiking I am separated from all the things of the societal world, and am instead immersed in the natural world.
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