21st Century American Scholar

I think a 21st century version of "The American Scholar" would reflect the nineteenth century version of the speech. The message Emerson was speaking of still holds true today. The balance between creative thinking and hard work is a lesson that still needs to be learned, and carried out. I think Emerson would probably put an emphasis on the hard work that makes our thoughts and ideas flourish into big things. He would encourage us not to get lost in the many distractions of the 21st century. He would urge us to remember that all ideas come from creative thinking. He would want us to shy away from the technology that we all cling to and let our minds be independent and free to think. Just as books are useful, computers are too, but none as useful or important as the independent mind, because the only way to move forward is through the mind and work of man and nothing else. Humans can have aids that support and influence our thoughts but when those aids become our thoughts all will be lost.

In conclusion, Emerson would most likely have a similar opinion in 2011. He would be more forceful to be heard through all of the distractions that come with the 21st century, but all in all the main point remains that even with so many other elements that reoccur in life holding on to nature that influences the mind; independence that makes thoughts unlimited and hard work that turns those thoughts into something more than just thoughts are the most important of all.