A Nation’s Strength
The poem Nation’s Strength is written by an American essayist, lecturer and poet, Ralph Waldo Emerson. He was born in Boston, Massachusetts on May 25, 1980. His original profession and calling was as a Unitarian minister. He left the ministry to pursue a career in writing and public speaking. Emerson became one of America's best known and best loved 19th century figures. His works include over 1500 published essays, lectures and poems. His writing style is seen as profound. Emerson's essays remain among the linchpins of American thinking, and Emerson's work has greatly influenced the thinkers, writers and poets that have followed him.
In this poem, Emerson uses vivid imagery and metaphors to convince the reader that the strength of a nation is not in its wealth or military prowess but its people. Neither does it depend upon heaps of wealth or gold. He says that real strength of a nation lies in the men of character. These men up hold the cause of honour and truth; they remain united and face hardships for long period of time. Such men are brave, truthful, stead fast, self respecting and hard working. They do not care about their personal loss. They sacrifice their individual interest in the larger interest of their nation. They work while others enjoy a sound sleep. They bear every trial with courage. They dare and remain steadfast while others run away. They lay the foundation of a nation very deep and thus take nation to the highest point of glory.
