217;s period and place is equal to any.” However, while Emerson feels that what great men have in common is the courage to listen to their own individuality and to be the first to express an idea, Whitman sees all men as contributing greatness to one another.These scholars, in their quest for excellence both revert back to simplicity. In both works children, and child-like thought are exalted. Emerson is awes at the freedom of a child, seeing it as god-like independence. He says a child conforms to no one, but rather all conform to the child. Whitman speaks of the wonder of a child contemplating what grass is.Both view the simplicity found in nature as also divine and perfect. In two very similar quotes, Emerson describes, "The roses under my window make no reference to former roses…they exist with God today. There is no time to them. There is simply the rose; it is perfect in every moment of its existence” and Whitman goes on, “the morning glory outside my window satisfies me more than the metaphysics of books.”The two express similar ideas about God- who or what he is, and where he can be found. Emerson speaks of man’s nature, or natural law: “No law is sacred than that of my own nature. God is found in all nature- we are one with nature and God.” This quote nearly encompasses Whitman’s own ideas of God and nature. Both men agree God is found within; God is in your self. From Whitman’ celebration of life to Emerson’s wisdom that greatness comes from within, both works are a superior exploration of self from two men who have reached the highest level of self-actualization....
