Ralph Waldo Emerson

Ralph Waldo Emerson, Transcendentalist.

What more to say? Everyone should know about Ralph Waldo Emerson - at least you should have read about him in high school.

Born in Boston, died in Concord, he's such a looming figure in American history that if you don't know about him, you should read up. It's part of being a good citizen. Even if you don't agree with him, he'll make you think.

Photo courtesy of the Library of Congress, Curtis & Cameron