How to Write Successful Essays

How to Write Successful EssaysRalph Waldo Emerson, like Thomas Jefferson, had a real enthusiasm for writing essays. This article is focused on Emerson's essay topics for his famous 'Essay on Man' published in 1842.Enablers: This is an odd one, because this essay topic provides no actual evidence that Emerson was indeed an enabler. The essay basically focuses on his theory of 'self-reliance.' It is also interesting to note that although this essay topic was not published until six years after the essay, the title itself was clearly inspired by another subject of Emerson's.Liberty: Not really one of Emerson's essay topics, the Texas diatribe is perhaps the only one of these topics he actually wrote. It was published in Texas in his 'Journal of a Journey,' and it contains the same open letter structure as one of his essays, 'A Conversation with Ben Jonson,' another 'Essay on Man' essay. Perhaps this essay topic was supposed to give us an idea of what he considered self-reliance and indi vidualism to be.The Greatest Generation: This essay is somewhat off the beaten path. The title and the content suggest that it's part of a series of essays about the great men of the United States and their influence on American society. It is interesting to note that many of the essay topics Emerson wrote were meant to be satirical pieces, while this essay about the Greatest Generation was his attempt at making an argument.Moose: One of Emerson's favorite subjects. It is interesting to note that this essay is titled after a very different type of animal.Family: A fairly straightforward essay topic. While it doesn't get into some controversial issues like euthanasia or abortion, it does address family formation and family preservation. Sons: This one's a doozy. It covers two sons (for instance Huck Finn) and the effect of fatherly behavior on children. Considering that this is considered by many to be the best essay that Emerson ever wrote, it's surprising that he didn't include mor e of these topics.