Book Description: Redefining the classic essay, this modern edition of Ralph Waldo Emerson’s most famous work, Self-Reliance , includes self-reflections from both historical and contemporary luminaries. With quotes from the likes of Henry Ford and Helen Keller to modern-day thought leaders like Jesse Dylan, Steve Pressfield, and Milton Glaser, we're reminded of the relevance of Emerson’s powerful words today. Emerson’s words are timeless. Persuasive and convincing, he challenges readers to define their own sense of accomplishment and asks them to measure themselves against their own standards, not those of society. This famous orator has utter faith in individualism and doesn’t invoke beyond what is humanly possible, he just believes deeply that each of us is capable of greatness. He asks us to define that greatness for ourselves and to be true to ourselves. At times harsh, at times comforting, Emerson’s words guide the reader to challenge their own beliefs and sense of self. This modern edition of Self-Reliance is ideal for graduates or those who are in the midst of a career or lifestyle change. Emerson's sage guidance wrapped in modern-day reflections is a great reminder about the potential within us all and that life is what you make of it.

《爱默生集》主要内容：拉尔夫·瓦尔多·爱默生（RalphWaldoEmerson，1803-1882）美国散文作家、思想家、诗人。1803年5月出生于马萨诸塞州波土顿附近的康考德村，1882年4月27日在波士顿逝世。他的生命几乎横贯19世纪的美国，他出生时候的美国热闹却混沌，一些人意识到它代表着某种新力量的崛起，却无人能够清晰的表达出来。它此时缺乏统一的政体，更没有相对一致的意识形态。在他去世的时候美国不但因为南北战争而统一，而且它的个性却逐渐鲜明起来，除了物质力量引人注目，它的文化也正在竭力走出欧洲的阴影。1837年爱默生以《美国学者》为题发表了一篇著名的演讲辞，宣告美国文学已脱离英国文学而独立，告诫美国学者不要让学究习气蔓延，不要盲目地追随传统，不要进行纯粹的摹仿。另外这篇讲辞还抨击了美国社会的拜金主义，强调人的价值。被誉为美国思想文化领域的“独立宣言”。一年之后，爱默生在《神学院献辞》中批评了基督教唯一神教派死气沉沉的局面，竭力推崇人的至高无尚，提倡靠直觉认识真理。

Originally published in 1854, Walden, or Life in the Woods, is a vivid account of the time that Henry D. Thoreau lived alone in a secluded cabin at Walden Pond. It is one of the most influential and compelling books in American literature. This new paperback edition - introduced by noted American writer John Updike - celebrates the 150th anniversary of this classic work. Much of Walden's material is derived from Thoreau's journals and contains such engaging pieces as "Reading" and "The Pond in the Winter." Other famous sections involve Thoreau's visits with a Canadian woodcutter and with an Irish family, a trip to Concord, and a description of his bean field. This is the complete and authoritative text of Walden - as close to Thoreau's original intention as all available evidence allows. For the student and for the general reader, this is the ideal presentation of Thoreau's great document of social criticism and dissent.