What we see in nature is only what we are able to perceive, and it is dependent on our own mind and sensitivity to it. Ralph Waldo Emerson, in his Nature essay, often refers to nature as though it were somewhat of an apparition, containing a great deal of surface value. In order to tap into the spiritual, into the over-soul, the facade of nature must be penetrated to be experienced. It is the responsibility, therefore, of the viewer to attempt to "see through" the surface of the physical, which is a manifestation of the Spirit, which will, in turn, allow him to find the relation between nature and our conscious selves. Here, Emerson questions the relationship of nature in regard to the man who perceives it.
In this sense, Emerson refers to vision, perception, and the eye, which become the links between man and nature, and man's ability to tap into nature spiritually. In both Nature and Experience, what we see is what we can comprehend, and once the surface can be broken through, spiritual unification may be attainable. In Experience, Emerson states, "Nature and books belong to the eyes that see them. It depends on the mood of the man whether he shall see the sunset or the fine poem." This idea corresponds closely with Emerson's concept in Nature, again, where the unification of nature and our conscious selves is cited as occurring only when men are aptly responsive to the experience of nature. "..all natural objects make a kindred impression w
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