The Study Of History
The greatest irony Emerson identifies in “History” is the study of history itself. The essay argues that the then contemporary understanding of history actually failed the role of History as a concept. Despite often been seen as an incredibly physical/scientific subject, Emerson argues History (as a subject) is transcendent. To Emerson all of humanity actually flows from this mystical understanding of history. History is not the process of humanity but its growth. The best way to instigate growth in a human being is to study history.
The Faith Of Men
What Emerson identifies throughout History is how humanity's faith has paradoxically become both more complex and far more simple. Emerson identifies God (or the divine) as always being present throughout human history, but the relationship between History and religion has made this complicated. Emerson sees the complexity of human religion throughout history as showing how simple and transcendent faith is. It has always been universally expressed in many forms. No matter how violent or distracted humanity becomes faith rests within them. Faith is always expressed through either the simple forests of primordial history or the great cathedrals of Christianity.
The Work Of The Artist
The great complexity of art which Emerson uses to show the unity of nature. Emerson believes the artist is able to envision the tree because the artist shares an origin with the tree. The artist is somehow able to identify, empathize, and replicate the tree in his work. It is the great irony of life Emerson sees as transcendent. Despite being inanimate, the tree is as much alive as the artist. While they are both far different, they are the same in the union of nature.
The Power Of Education
Emerson identifies “intellectual nomadism” as the greatest threat to the study of History. Emerson sees education as the greatest basis for the study of history, but it is “intellectual nomadism” which puts this is threat. Emerson sees this “intellectual nomadism” as rootless study without culture. The form of History most often taught with Emerson revolts against. History is a necessary subject to comprehend humanity. “Intellectual nomadism” is what disrupts this though as it leaves education without a structure to build off of. The “nomadism” of education does not establish a successful understanding in History.
Man As The “Broken Giant”
The irony inherent in the human condition. Throughout “History”, Emerson discusses humanity's immense potential, but few take advantage of such ability. The concept of the “broken giant” is humanity's ability to do great things but few do. Anyone can develop any number of talents inherent in the human condition. The ability of development Emerson praises several historical figures for cultivating throughout the essay. These are the few who become the “giants” of history. The essay then calls upon all of humanity to repair itself from the state of the “broken giant”.
