To Emerson, the natural world is better than his own, offering mankind all the life and inspiration that is absent from society. Emerson paints a vivid picture of nature and man’s important connection to it. Emerson convinces his readers that the relationship between man and nature is sacred, comforting, and vital for survival.

Emerson asks his readers “to what end is Nature?” (27). He goes about answering this question with several arguments.  Emerson makes certain to his readers that “we have no questions to ask which are unanswerable,” this is so because the ”order of things” in nature will answer all questions (27). He then goes on to explain that, “the universe is composed of Nature and the Soul” (28). Assuming that the Soul resides in each man, Emerson makes the conclusion that “therefore, all that is separate from us…must be ranked under this name, NATURE”(28). Emerson also notes that nature is anything “unchanged by man” such as the sky, the landscape, the air, etc.  By slowly drawing out the definition of what nature is Emerson makes a mysterious entity become tangible to his readers.

After Emerson defines what Nature is, he uses speculation to demonstrate nature’s power. Emerson writes that, “if the stars should appear one night in a thousand years, how would men believe and adore” (28). Here Emerson is making an assumption on the reaction of humans to nature. Emerson supports his speculation by talking about how “the stars awaken a certain reverence, because though always present, they are inaccessible” (28). This explains why nature touches man, why a connection exists between nature and man. Nature is universal, like God or Justice. Emerson proves that nature is greater than man and therefore deserves his respect.

Emotionally, Emerson relates to his readers through the feelings that nature can inspire.  He states that “none…owns the landscape”(28). Anyone can enjoy nature and nature is for everyone. Emerson is speaking directly to the common man as he reminds him that nature is universally accessible. He describes an emotion everyone can relate to: reminiscence. Emerson says that “in the woods, is perpetual youth” (29). This is an emotional appeal because Emerson speaks of childhood, something that most remember fondly and long to return to. This statement encourages those unsatisfied in this life to seek a former one in the wilderness. Nature is young again each spring, and man can be mentally and spiritually recharged by it. He warns though that these emotions from nature are not random. This is because “the power to produce this delight does not reside in nature, but in man, or in a harmony of both” (29).

Emerson, Ralph Waldo. “Chapter 1. Nature.” 27-55.