We come to them who weep foolishly, and sit down and cry for company, instead of imparting to them truth and health in rough electric shocks, putting them once more in communication with the soul.”

Based on this quote, what can you ascertain about Emerson’s beliefs?

A.Emerson had no use for friendship.

B.Emerson believed that public display of emotion was an unnecessary sign of weakness.

C.Emerson argued for tough love.

D.Emerson believed that man’s direct connection with the divine was inconsistent and often interrupted.

I believe the answer is C but would like some reassurance. Try going on just the quote and not the general theme, if you have read this essay of Emerson's before since the question says "Based on this quote.."

Thank you

I haven't read the essay, but based on the quote, C seems to be the best answer.

Based on the quote you provided, it can be ascertained that Emerson believed in imparting truth and health to those who weep foolishly, rather than simply offering them company. He mentions "putting them once more in communication with the soul," which suggests that he believed in reconnecting individuals with their inner selves. This aligns with the concept of tough love (option C) as he believed in providing rough electric shocks and bringing forth a direct connection with the soul rather than just offering emotional support. Therefore, your initial response of option C is correct.

To ascertain Emerson's beliefs based solely on the provided quote, we can analyze the key elements mentioned.

Emerson's statement suggests that instead of consoling those who weep foolishly by joining them in their tears, it is more beneficial to provide them with "truth and health" in the form of "rough electric shocks." This phrase can be interpreted metaphorically as a jarring or direct awakening to reality or to one's inner self.

From this analysis, we can eliminate options A, B, and D:

A. Emerson had no use for friendship: This answer is not supported by the quote, as it does not mention anything about friendship specifically.

B. Emerson believed that public display of emotion was an unnecessary sign of weakness: Again, the quote doesn't mention anything about public display of emotion or consider it as a sign of weakness.

D. Emerson believed that man’s direct connection with the divine was inconsistent and often interrupted: While the quote does mention a connection with the soul, it doesn't indicate that such a connection is inconsistent or interrupted.

Considering the remaining option:

C. Emerson argued for tough love: This interpretation aligns with the idea that instead of offering mere comfort, Emerson believed in providing individuals with a jolt of truth or insight to reconnect them with their soul. Therefore, option C, "Emerson argued for tough love," appears to be the most accurate inference based on this quote.