Exploring the Early Life of Joseph Smith: Trials, Triumphs, and Visions
In this episode of Noble American Lives Podcast, host William H. Benson dives into the fascinating early life of Joseph Smith, Jr., the prophet and founder of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. From his family's challenging financial circumstances and frequent relocations to young Joseph's severe health battles and spiritual struggles, this episode offers an in-depth look at the formative years of a key American religious figure. Listeners will also hear about Joseph's first vision, which set the stage for his future religious endeavors, and the skepticism he faced from the religious community. This episode highlights both the personal and spiritual development of Joseph Smith amidst the backdrop of early 19th-century America. (00:00) Introduction to the Noble American Lives Podcast (00:18) Overview of the Parallel Lives Series (01:21) Roger Williams and Cotton Mather (02:35) Thomas Payne and George Whitfield (03:50) Ralph Waldo Emerson and Joseph Smith (04:50) Joseph Smith Jr.'s Early Life (06:26) The Smith Family's Struggles and Moves (09:53) Joseph Smith Jr.'s Health Challenges (12:34) Religious Influences and Family Dynamics (16:43) The Move to Palmyra, New York (21:23) Joseph Smith Jr.'s Spiritual Journey (24:53) The First Vision and Its Aftermath (27:55) Skepticism and Persecution (29:02) Joseph Smith Jr.'s Imagination and Storytelling
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31:22
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31:22
Ralph Waldo Emerson's Later Years & Legacy
In this milestone 100th episode of the Noble American Lives Podcast, hosted by William H. Benson, the discussion centers on the life and works of Ralph Waldo Emerson. Benson delves deep into Emerson's perspectives on various subjects, including his criticisms of Emanuel Swedenborg's theology and views on Shakespeare's originality and influence. He details Emerson's contributions to literature, his later years, and eventual health decline, leading to his death. Additionally, the episode offers insights into Emerson's travels, his reception by the intellectual community, and his interactions with contemporaries like John Muir and Walt Whitman. (00:00) Introduction to the Podcast (00:17) Overview of the Books and Themes (01:22) Roger Williams and Cotton Mather (02:41) Thomas Payne and George Whitfield (04:02) Ralph Waldo Emerson's Biography (05:02) Emerson's Critique of Swedenborg (08:18) Emerson on Shakespeare (12:58) Emerson's Later Years and Travels (16:49) Final Days and Legacy of Emerson
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21:06
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21:06
Ralph Waldo Emerson: Insights from 'Experience'
Exploring Ralph Waldo Emerson: Insights from Experience In episode 98 of the Noble American Lives Podcast, hosted by William H. Benson, the spotlight is on Ralph Waldo Emerson, particularly his grand essay 'Experience'. This episode is part of Benson's larger work, 'Parallel Lives of the Noble American Religious Thinkers and Believers'. Benson delves into Emerson's philosophical ideas, particularly examining his exploration of personal power, tragedy, and life's complexities as depicted in 'Experience'. He discusses Emerson's perspective on life's illusions, grief, temperament, succession, surface, surprise, reality, and subjectiveness. The episode also contextualizes Emerson's life within significant historical and personal events, including his relationship with Henry David Thoreau and his broader impact on American literature and thought through his writings, travels, and associations. (00:00) Introduction to the Podcast (01:19) Overview of Previous Episodes (03:58) Ralph Waldo Emerson: A Deep Dive (04:52) Emerson's Essay 'Experience' (19:48) Emerson's Personal Life and Relationships (27:43) Emerson's Political and Social Views
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30:44
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30:44
Ralph Waldo Emerson: Insights on Self-Reliance
In this episode of the Noble American Lives Podcast, host William H. Benson delves into the life and philosophy of Ralph Waldo Emerson, as detailed in Benson's third book, 'Parallel Lives of the Noble American Religious Thinkers and Believers.' The episode centers on the biography of Emerson, focusing on his groundbreaking essay 'Self-Reliance.' Benson explicates Emerson’s broader, communal definition of self, the barriers of conformity and consistency, and the transformative potential of tapping into the 'aboriginal self.' Additional insights include an analysis of Emerson's views on prayer, doctrine, compensation, and his philosophical and literary contributions that continue to influence modern thought. (00:00) Introduction to the Podcast (00:24) Overview of the Series (01:18) Previous Episodes Recap (04:00) Introduction to Ralph Waldo Emerson (04:56) Emerson's Philosophy of Self-Reliance (15:58) Emerson's Views on Compensation (19:00) Emerson's Essays on the Over-Soul and Intellect (24:46) Personal Tragedies and Later Works (28:33) Emerson's Views on Poetry and the Poet
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33:07
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33:07
Ralph Waldo Emerson: The Intellectual Ties That Shaped Him
In this episode of the Noble American Lives Podcast, host William H. Benson delves into the life of Ralph Waldo Emerson, focusing on his impactful relationships with key figures like Henry David Thoreau, Bronson Alcott, and Margaret Fuller. Benson explores Emerson's intellectual journey, his essays on history and self-reliance, and how his friendships influenced his philosophical and literary output. The episode also reflects on the broader relationships and transcendent friendships that played crucial roles in Emerson's life, including their contributions to transcendentalism and American literature. (00:00) Introduction to the Podcast (01:20) Overview of Previous Episodes (04:00) Introduction to Ralph Waldo Emerson (04:54) Ralph Waldo Emerson's Early Life and Friendships (07:38) Bronson Alcott and His Educational Philosophy (11:29) Margaret Fuller: A Key Influence (23:37) Emerson's Essays and Philosophical ImpacT
About Noble American Lives: Biographies of America’s Religious Thinkers and Believers
This show is about the lives of certain individuals from America's past, who participated in America's religious journey over the past five centuries. Some thought more deeply than did others. Some believed in new ways. Some believed in old ways, but promoted an existing religion in a new way.
Each episode covers a chapter from a biography from twelve individuals: Roger Williams, Cotton Mather, Thomas Paine, George Whitefield, Ralph Waldo Emerson, Joseph Smith, William James, Mary Baker Eddy, Mark Twain, Billy Graham, H. L. Mencken, and Jim Bakker.
In addition, other episodes will include comparisons and contrasts between the individuals.
Listen to Noble American Lives: Biographies of America’s Religious Thinkers and Believers, Easy Money: The Charles Ponzi Story and many other podcasts from around the world with the radio.net app
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