Response to Emerson's "American Scholar"

There was only one problem I had with Emerson’s speech. Throughout the oration, upon first reading, Emerson almost seems to contradict himself on the usage of books, and students’ reliance upon them. In the beginning of the second part of the speech, Emerson explains how important books are. “Books are the best type of the influence of the past, and perhaps we shall get at the truth--learn the amount of the influence more conveniently--by considering their value alone.” ...