Born within a decade of the ratification of the Constitution, Emerson was one of the first truly American philosophers. He took many of his ideas from the spirit of the young country encouraging everyone to follow themselves and to look to the future, not the path for truth. In the end all you can know and all you can be is yourself.
Imitation is suicide.
Fortunately, out of yourself opens the world. This is not selfish individualism, however, it is the realization that in your uniqueness you can bring something great into the world. Moreover, the big questions can not be answered by exploring beyond yourself. Rather we must live, accepting the uncertainty that comes with not fully knowing the nature of the journey. Do not craze yourself with thinking, but go about your business anywhere.