Olympian bards who sung Divine Ideas below, Which always find us young, and always keep us so

Olympian bards who sung Divine Ideas below, Which always find us young, and always keep us so

Ralph Waldo Emerson, a prominent American essayist, poet, and philosopher, was known for his transcendentalist beliefs and his deep appreciation for nature and the interconnectedness of all things. In his essay "The Poet," Emerson explores the idea of the poet as a divine figure, capable of tapping into universal truths and inspiring others with their words. The line "Olympian bards who sung Divine Ideas below, Which always find us young, and always keep us so" encapsulates Emerson's belief in the power of poetry to rejuvenate and inspire the human spirit.

Emerson believed that poets were able to access a higher realm of consciousness, where they could commune with the divine and bring back insights and truths that could uplift and enlighten humanity. The term "Olympian bards" refers to the ancient Greek poets who were believed to be inspired by the gods themselves. These poets were seen as conduits for divine wisdom, capable of transmitting eternal truths through their words.

The idea that these bards sang "Divine Ideas below" suggests that their poetry had the power to transcend earthly limitations and connect with the eternal and universal truths that lie beneath the surface of everyday life. These ideas were not bound by time or space but had the ability to resonate with readers across generations and cultures.

Emerson believed that poetry had the power to awaken the youthful spirit within us, to remind us of the wonder and beauty of the world, and to inspire us to see the world with fresh eyes. The line "Which always find us young, and always keep us so" speaks to the transformative power of poetry to rejuvenate and renew our spirits, to keep us open to new experiences and ideas, and to help us maintain a sense of wonder and curiosity about the world.