Emerson's concept of man-thinking is used to represent the ideal scholar, who encompasses both unity and individuality, or what Emerson refers to as a scholar in "the right state." Man According to Emerson, thinking is something that every scholar can and should aim for by studying nature, reading books, and participating in activities. Ralph Waldo Emerson (May 25, 1803–April 27, 1882), better known by his middle name Waldo, was an American writer, speaker, philosopher, abolitionist, and poet who headed the mid-century transcendentalist movement. Called the "intellectual Declaration of Independence" of the United States