Essays · Chapter
Prudence explained
The chapter explores the virtue of prudence, distinguishing between a base, materialistic prudence focused solely on the senses and utility, and a higher, 'true' prudence that recognizes the symbolic nature of the sensory world and subordin
What happens
The chapter explores the virtue of prudence, distinguishing between a base, materialistic prudence focused solely on the senses and utility, and a higher, 'true' prudence that recognizes the symbolic nature of the sensory world and subordinates it to spiritual laws. The narrator argues that while prudence is the 'virtue of the senses,' it becomes legitimate only when it serves as the 'Natural History of the soul incarnate.' The essay critiques those who live for wealth and health alone, celebrates those who perceive beauty or spiritual significance in symbols, and laments the modern separation between poetic inspiration and practical life, using the example of the tragic, imprudent genius.
Themes in this chapter
Prudence vs. Soul
The core theme. The chapter meticulously defines and contrasts 'spurious prudence' (which makes the senses final) with 'true prudence' (which admits an internal, real world). It argues prudence is legitimate only as a servant to higher spiritual laws ('wisdom and virtue conversing with the body').
Nature as Symbol
Central to the argument. The 'world of the senses is a world of shows... has a symbolic character.' Three classes of people are defined by how they relate to the symbol: for utility, for beauty, or for the 'thing signified.'
Society and Reform
Critiques modern society where 'poetry and prudence should be coincident' but are 'irreconcilably parted.' Laments that genius is rare, talent is used for luxury, and society is 'officered by men of parts' rather than 'divine men,' prompting the 'question of Reform.'
Heroism and Character
Examined through the failure of character. The tragic figure of the imprudent genius (e.g., Tasso) who, despite 'divine sentiments,' is ruined by neglecting physical and practical laws, becoming a 'thorn to himself and to others.'
Characters to notice
- The Narrator (Emerson)
Explicitly states his own lack of practical prudence but asserts his right to write on it from 'aspiration and antagonism.' He defines and categorizes prudence, arguing for its proper, subservient role to higher spiritual laws.
- Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
Cited as the author of 'Tasso,' which is presented as a 'true tragedy' depicting the conflict between worldly maxims and divine sentiment, illustrating the grief of imprudent genius.
- Julius Caesar
Referenced in a contrast to highlight the fall of the imprudent scholar: 'Yesterday, Caesar was not so great; today, the felon at the gallows’ foot is not more miserable.'
- William Shakespeare
Implied through the reference to 'tyrannous Richard the Third,' whose crimes are presented as less genuinely tragic than the internal conflict of characters like Tasso.
Key passages
“Prudence is the virtue of the senses. It is the science of appearances.”
Prudence is the practical wisdom that deals with the physical, observable world.
Foundational definition establishing prudence's domain.
“The world of the senses is a world of shows; it does not exist for itself, but has a symbolic character.”
The physical world is not ultimate reality; it points to deeper, spiritual truths.
Key Transcendentalist premise that elevates true prudence above mere materialism.
“Poetry and prudence should be coincident. Poets should be lawgivers.”
Inspiration and practical wisdom should be united. Visionary thinkers should guide everyday life.
Expresses the ideal, lamented state where spiritual insight directly informs civil and personal conduct.
“He that despiseth small things will perish by little and little.”
Ignoring practical necessities and mundane laws leads to gradual ruin.
A warning to the imprudent genius about the consequences of neglecting the 'laws of the senses.'
