Final answer:
Ralph Waldo Emerson's delight in the natural world, as expressed in his essay 'Nature', is thought to come from the divine connection between humanity and nature. Transcendentalism and Romanticism greatly influenced his beliefs, highlighting the importance of individual experience and emotion in appreciating nature's sublime aspects.
Step-by-step explanation:
In Ralph Waldo Emerson's essay 'Nature', he discusses the delight that the natural world often inspires and believes this power to delight comes from a divine essence that permeates both nature and humanity. For Emerson, nature is a manifestation of the divine, and through it, humans can connect with the spiritual essence and their own inner divinity. The essay posits that every person carries a part of this divine nature, which gives them the potential for limitless creativity and freedom. This is seen as a source of not only aesthetic pleasure but also spiritual enlightenment.
The delight in nature, according to Emerson, derives from an innate connection between the human spirit and the natural world. Transcendentalism, a cultural movement that Emerson was a key part of, looked beyond the physical appearances of nature, seeking a deeper spiritual experience. Through this interaction, individuals may transcend the mundane and tap into a more profound understanding of themselves and the universe.
Romanticism, which influenced Emerson's viewpoint, emphasizes emotion and individualism over logic and order. Nature, particularly in its most powerful and 'inhuman' forms, could invoke a gamut of emotions from love to terror. These emotional experiences are seen as opportunities to connect with the sublime and transcend one's ordinary experiences. Emerson suggests that this ability to deeply feel and resonate with nature is a more authentic and individualistic way of perceiving the world that can lead to greater personal and creative liberty.