The great man, that is, the man most imbued with the spirit of the time, is the impressionable man

The great man, that is, the man most imbued with the spirit of the time, is the impressionable man

Ralph Waldo Emerson, a prominent figure in the transcendentalist movement of the 19th century, believed in the power of the individual to shape their own destiny and influence the world around them. One of his most famous quotes, "The great man, that is, the man most imbued with the spirit of the time, is the impressionable man," speaks to the idea that those who are open to new ideas and experiences are the ones who have the greatest impact on society.

Emerson believed that true greatness comes from being receptive to the world around us, and being willing to change and grow in response to new information and experiences. He saw the ability to be influenced by the spirit of the time as a sign of strength, not weakness. In his essay "Self-Reliance," Emerson writes, "A foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of little minds, adored by little statesmen and philosophers and divines." He believed that true greatness comes from being open to new ideas and willing to adapt to changing circumstances.

Emerson's idea of the impressionable man is not someone who is easily swayed by the opinions of others, but rather someone who is open to new ideas and experiences and willing to change their own beliefs and values in response to them. He believed that those who are able to adapt and grow in this way are the ones who have the greatest impact on society and history.

Emerson himself was a great man in this sense. He was constantly seeking out new ideas and experiences, and was willing to challenge conventional wisdom and think for himself. His essays and lectures were filled with radical ideas that challenged the status quo and inspired others to think differently about the world around them.