Everyday Emerson: The Wisdom of Ralph Waldo Emerson Paraphrased

by Sam Torode

Revolutionary Ideas Rephrased for Today

In Everyday Emerson , bestselling author Sam Torode rephrases the works of Ralph Waldo Emerson in contemporary language. The goal is to make Emerson's wisdom applicable to our daily lives, showing that Transcendentalism isn't a relic of the past--it's a way of thinking and seeing the world that's still valid and vital.

This book covers Emerson's pathbreaking early lectures, featuring full paraphrases of "The American Scholar," "The Divinity School Address," "The Transcendentalist," and more. It also includes paraphrased excerpts from Emerson's speeches advocating for social reform, the abolition of slavery, and women's rights.

Sam Torode's introduction and notes provide an overview of Emerson's life and major themes, and explore the relevance of his philosophy today. Everyday Emerson can be read on its own, or as an aid to studying the original works.

This is the first book in a series which also Living from the The 7 Spiritual Principles of Ralph Waldo Emerson and Secrets of the Ralph Waldo Emerson's Keys to Expansive Mental Powers .

Genres: Philosophy, Nonfiction

130 pages, Hardcover

Published February 26, 2021

About the author

Author of the bestselling humorous novel “The Dirty Parts of the Bible”—now a graphic novel—and paraphrase editions of classic wisdom books from philosophers like Epictetus, Marcus Aurelius, and Ralph Waldo Emerson. Host of the “Living from the Soul” podcast, available on all platforms.

Please visit www.samtorode.com.

Reviews

[Anita Ashland · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a nice introduction to Emerson's works and contains five of his most important addresses written in today's English. I like the timeline and brief overview of Emerson's life at the beginning of the work. It's amazing how much of what Emerson wrote in the 1800's is still relevant today.

Some favorite quotes:

"Run eagerly into the world's tumult. Grasp the hands of the people you meet, and take your place in the ring, to suffer and to strive. Learn by your instincts. For as you take on new experiences, you conquer the unknown wilderness - both without and within - and so extend your being."

"Whenever you have the opportunity, read truth directly by observing, absorbing, and meditation on nature. Don't spend all your time reading other people's accounts of insights gleaned from their own meditations."

"Any new idea, opinion, or movement shared by women is the first sign of a revolution. On the ship of society, woman is the sail."

[Tom Walsh · Rating 5 out of 5]

I studies Emerson and the Transcendentalists during my first (and only) semester at Graduate School. I was amazed, and still am, with his insight and sheer intelligence of thought and writing. This work took me a bit deeper into The King of the Oversoul. There are many original quotes to satisfy any literary hunger search. His influence on Thoreau is cited as well.
For an additional reference, see “American Bloomsbury”, Susan Cheever’s work on the Transcendentalists.

[Gerry · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was great. I never really knew anything about Emerson until this summer. Definitely worth your time to explore his ideas. I read about Emerson from Robert Greene (my favorite source for new thinkers) and I loved Sam Torode's work with The Manual so I picked this to explore his ideas. Since Emerson wrote 150 years ago some of the ideas benefit from a more modern translation and Sam Torode does a great job at this.

[Quartknee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reads a bit like a dissertation so it might not be for everyone but I found it evocative and a fitting gist to quickly encapsulate RWE's ideas.

[Casey Spaulding · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book!!

I enjoyed the insights and background on Emerson from the author. Made it a fast and easy read. Check it out.

[Michael Mcfarren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thought provoking

I didn’t think that thoughts from 150 year ago was as relevant today as this book demonstrated. I found this fascinating and looking for more original works.

[Alan Lewis · Rating 4 out of 5]

A "highlight" edition of Emerson's thought.

[Cynthia Scott · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice to keep on nightstand for occasional inspiration.

[Eugene · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice book, a man ahead of his time and very much relevant stll.

[Jake Jensen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a modern take on Emerson. Great read!

[Peter K · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very insightful and timeless.

[Mark Gaskins · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was incredible!