Reconnecting With Ralph Waldo Emerson

Have taken some time, that frankly, I don't really have, to dig into the world of Emerson through his writings, particularly his essays.
I'm taking a course in Transcendentalism and spirituality, which is not only reaffirming my own inner convictions about life, but also, it is reminding me of why I am so at peace with New England, where I was born and now live. My deepest roots are definitely here, even if I move to another part of the country.
There are many great writers from all over the country. Mark Twain is one of my favorites. Proud that he lived for many years in Connecticut. He was born in the Mid West, but I claim him.
Interesting that so many philosophical movements had their start on the east coast, and then moved west.
My roots are buried deep in this part of the country.
One of my favorite painters is Winslow Homer. Homer's best work was done in Maine... you know, all of those masterful paintings of waves and storms at sea, all painted in Maine.
I feel so close to the great writers from Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont, Maine, Rhode Island, and Connecticut.
When I was a kid reading Robert Frost for the first time ( he was actually born in San Francisco), I melted into the landscape, and became the place, the time, and the characters. I even became Robert Frost for a while. It was easy to do because he is such a good writer, and also because you feel it in the air before you have read anything.
So, how does that relate to marketing?
I think that anything that either expands your awareness of life and other people, or puts you in close touch with yourself, will help you to understand all people better. The better you understand people, the easier it is to communicate with them.
When people know you understand them, they will start to trust you. If you maintain your integrity, that trust will grow. Trust is earned.
Just re-read Self Reliance. I'm sure you have all read it at some time. Just re-read it, and consider that it was written over 170 years ago. Nothing has changed, and everything has changed.
Emerson was more than a little bit angry about conformity and hypocrisy. What would he think about society today? Interesting in the context of time.
Have a great week!
J.