The purpose of this research paper is to discuss and assess both Ralph Waldo Emerson's and Henry David Thoreau's views regarding solitude and isolation as well as its relationship to modern times, as depicted within their literary contributions. Both Emerson and Thoreau contributed much in the way of literary contributions which underscore the importance and value of solitude and isolation which, I believe, are demonstrable in terms of contemporary times. To this extent, I shall …showed first 75 words of 289 total…

…showed last 75 words of 289 total…philosophy, etc.). Emerson and Thoreau were neighbors and his writings on self-reliance speaks of a man who may trust himself against a society that, "...everywhere is in a conspiracy against the manhood of any one of its members. Nothing can bring you peace but yourself. The nature of the soul is the compensation for the inequalities of condition." Emerson further recommends truth and tenderness as the basis of genuine friendship in his treatise on friendship