Final answer:
According to Emerson, works of genius move us because they reflect our own thoughts, resonating with internal truths and emotions, and thereby inspire recognition and introspection.
Step-by-step explanation:
According to Emerson, we are moved by "works of genius" because they reflect our own thoughts. The connection here lies in the transcendentalist belief that great works of literature resonate with us because they speak to ideas and emotions that are inherently within us. These works stimulate recognition and introspection, inspiring us to consider how the text reflects our personal experience and values. Moreover, Emerson suggested that every person has the potential to realize profound truths, and the expression of such truths in works of literature can validate and illuminate our own understanding.
Emerson's essays and ideas, emphasizing individuality and the deep relationship between the soul and the natural world, have left a significant imprint on American thought. His perspective challenges the notion that there is a single correct interpretation of a text, recognizing the complexity of human experience and the capacity for literature to evoke a multitude of responses.