Emerson is a transcendentalist. He believes that personal experience is by far the best way to learn about things. As a result, Emerson strongly believes in individual freedom. This is especially true when it comes to thoughts about right and wrong. Emerson does not see a problem with stating one thing on Monday and then stating the complete opposite on Wednesday. What he thinks is right and wrong may have changed between those days because of something that he experienced. Therefore, laws that are made by other people which are meant to govern all people are ridiculous to Emerson. Emerson might follow those laws, but only as long as his own moral compass is in agreement with those laws. His personal beliefs are his "litmus" test for good laws and right and wrong, and that is why his own nature is what is most sacred to him. It is his "unchanging" compass that provides him guidance.
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