| Author | Ralph Waldo Emerson |
|---|---|
| Series | Essays |
| Genre | Essay |
Publication date | 1841 |
| Pages | 28 |
| Preceded by | Heroism |
| Followed by | Circles |
| Text | The Over-Soul at Wikisource |
"The Over-Soul" is an essay by Ralph Waldo Emerson first published in 1841. With the human soul as its overriding subject, several general themes are treated: (1) the existence and nature of the human soul; (2) the relationship between the soul and the personal ego; (3) the relationship of one human soul to another; and (4) the relationship of the human soul to God. The influence of Eastern religions, including Vedanta, is plainly evident, but the essay also develops ideas long present in the Western philosophical canon (e.g., in the works of Plato, Plutarch, Plotinus, Proclus—all of whose writings Emerson read extensively throughout his career) and the theology of Emanuel Swedenborg.[1][2]: 78ff
The essay attempts no systematic doctrine, but rather serves as a work of poetry.[citation needed] Its virtue is in personal insight of the author and the lofty manner of his presentation.[citation needed] Emerson wished to exhort and direct the reader to an awakening of similar thoughts or sentiments.
With respect to the four themes listed above, the essay presents the following views: (1) the human soul is immortal, immensely vast, and beautiful; (2) the conscious ego is slight and limited in comparison to the soul despite the fact that humans habitually mistake their ego for their true self; (3) at some level, the souls of all people are connected, but the precise manner and degree of this connection is not spelled out; and (4) that the soul is created by and has an existence that is similar to God, or that God exists within humans.
The Over-Soul is now considered one of Emerson's greatest writings and often misapplied as a keystone to understanding his work.[3]