Final answer:
Whitman's phrase implies a preference for the direct enjoyment of nature over complex philosophy, aligning with option B) Nature is more satisfying than any philosophy written by humanity. His poetry often integrates both natural and urban elements, showing the rich tapestry of life.
Step-by-step explanation:
When Walt Whitman says, "That I walk up my stoop, I pause to consider if it really be, / A morning-glory at my window satisfies me more than the metaphysics of books," he is expressing a sentiment consistent with Romantic and Transcendentalist thought. The explanation B) Nature is more satisfying than any philosophy written by humanity most closely represents Whitman's meaning. This line indicates a preference for the direct, sensuous appreciation of nature over the abstract, intellectualized pursuit of knowledge found in books. Whitman cherished the beauty and simplicity found in the natural world, which for him often held a deeper truth than what could be gleaned from the complex and challenging philosophical texts.
In Whitman's poetry, there is often a distinct contrast between the natural elements and the man-made or urban elements; however, rather than seeing them as strictly opposed, Whitman integrates both to reflect the rich, diverse experience of life. His work highlights the significance of interpersonal connections, nature, and the everyday experience, marrying cultural forms to the needs of a developing nation. As seen in his poetry, such as Song of Myself, Whitman finds the profound in the commonplace and celebrates the individual's experience as part of a greater whole. This celebration is seen in the joy derived from a simple flower, which he found deeply satisfying and emblematic of his connection to the world.