Two authors expressed their feelings, doubts, and predictions about the current state of the American people in the 19th century in independently written essays. They further strove to show what they believed the essential American citizen should become to better his country, his family, and himself. These authors were Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau. Through their life experiences they formed opinions about how America had triumphed and what the individual could do in …showed first 75 words of 700 total…

…showed last 75 words of 700 total…his nap, to spare any action in which he can partake.” Emerson and Thoreau’s beliefs can be summed up in a short phrase; with action comes experience, and with experience comes wisdom. The essential American will realize this truth, because the only true achievement in life is the implementation of wisdom gained along the way. “Nothing can bring you peace but yourself. Nothing can bring you peace but the triumph of principles.” - Emerson