Walt Whitman’s Leaves of Grass offers a counterpoint to Emerson’s Nature. Whitman’s poetry is a celebration of life written from the perspective of the ever present leaves of grass which seem to take it all in. His work is influenced by Emerson’s Nature as there is a call to reflect on the natural elements, to transcend beyond the everyday. Yet, while Emerson seems to call on all to let go of the mundane and embrace nature for its sake, Whitman seems to suggest that nature sees in our everyday existence, in every seemingly mundane act, a sensual quality.

Whitman also further develops the theme in Emerson’s Nature. Why reflect on nature? He attributes certain values to nature. He sees nature as non-judgemental.  “Miserable! I do not laugh at your oaths nor jeer you.” while describing the prostitute. The other quality that he attributes to nature is its lack of conformity. “I cock my hat as I please indoors or out” is one of many places where this theme emerges. His work seems to suggest that one could transcend / achieve “god” (who Whitman does not clearly define) by not just appreciating nature but by embracing the qualities he attributes to nature.

- Anu (distracted by a beautiful beach on the Big Island!)