Connection & Influence of Ralph Waldo Emerson

After college, Thoreau befriended writer and fellow Concord resident Ralph Waldo Emerson.
Through Emerson, he became exposed to Transcendentalism, a school of thought that emphasized the importance of empirical thinking and of spiritual matters over the physical world.
It encouraged scientific inquiry and observation.
Thoreau came to know many of the movement's leading figures, including Bronson Alcott and Margaret Fuller.
Emerson acted as a mentor to Thoreau and supported him in many ways.
For a time, Thoreau lived with Emerson as a caretaker for his home.
Emerson also used his influence to promote Thoreau's literary efforts.
Some of Thoreau's first works were published in The Dial, a Transcendentalist magazine.
And Emerson gave Thoreau access to the lands that would inspire one of his greatest works.