Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803 - 18882) was a poet, essayist, and leader of the American transcendentalist movement. He was known for his essays titled “Self-Reliance" and "The American Scholar".
A generation after Americans had freed themselves politically and economically from Britain, it would be up to Ralph Waldo Emerson to carry the Revolution to individual men and women by exhorting them to a freedom of the spirit as well. Through a detailed recounting of Emerson’s life, this program traces his vision of the ideal in America from its genesis to its flowering as the principles of Transcendentalism. Readings from Emerson’s journals, addresses, and published works—including Nature and “Self-Reliance”—are interwoven throughout. Commentary is provided by Robert Richardson, author of Emerson: The Mind on Fire; Richard Geldard, author of God in Concord; and others. Bonus material includes short bios of key Transcendentalists, profiles of women who influenced Emerson and Transcendentalism, the role of oratory in American life and the rise of the Lyceum lecture circuit, an overview of idealism in Western philosophy, and Eastern influences on Transcendentalism. Produced by the Ralph Waldo Emerson Institute. (54 minutes)
Source: Films on Demand
David S. Reynolds, Professor of English and American Studies at the City University of New York, discusses Ralph Waldo Emerson, the American philosopher and lecturer who, in his day, commanded crowds like a modern rock star.
Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qrYVvFo7mKs