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Darlene Jimenez
Professor Gulla
American Visions
11 January 2025
"First we eat, then we beget; first we read, then we write."
1. Paraphrase
Emerson explains before procreating one must eat the proper nutrients. Comparing this
with writing. We must read before creating.
2. Observe
The sentence repeats the term “first we”. Sentences are spoken from a first person point
of view.
3. Contextualize
Emerson believed that children’s education should not be one-sided, but rather children
should be internalizing the material (Williamson 381). Taking the context into
consideration, Emerson believed that writing is an art form and should be taken
delicately. Initially, reading and digesting different works, then creating different types of
writing that exemplify your emotions.
4. Analyze
The repetition of the terms “first we”, underscore the importance of what the speaker
insists we should do as a community. The usage of the analogy allows us to compare
situations that contrast each other. The initial situation is when procreation can not occur
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without the proper nutrients needed to fuel oneself. The process needs both parties that
are accountable for their own health. This situation is like the one stated in the latter part
of the sentence “First we read, then we write” (Emerson). We have to understand the
literature given to us in schools and jobs because we will have to apply the information in
different settings. However, we must be careful in expressing ourselves through our
writing, since it should be about internalizing the material and beauty of literature. We
should continue learning how to develop our writing schemes everyday.
5. Argue
Ralph Emerson stated "First we eat, then we beget; first we read, then we write
(Emerson)”. This technical sentence describes Emerson’s belief that children ought to be
taught to incorporate information, which can be applied to their education or future jobs.
Emerson communicated his belief through the structure of the sentence which is
formatted as an analogy. Comparing procreating and nourishing oneself with reading and
writing. The analogy contributes to his point, which is to emphasize children need to read
with a purpose. Children should be ready to ask questions or be curious about what they
have learned through literature.
6. Reflect
My interpretation of the sentence neglects the year the sentence was stated, since it could
counter my original argument. Another aspect that may skew my argument is the
audience finding no correlation between the two analogies. As well as taking the
statement out of context may not corroborate with my argument.
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Works Cited
Williamson, Amy, et al. “RALPH WALDO EMERSON’S EDUCATIONAL PHILOSOPHY as a
FOUNDATION for COOPERATIVE LEARNING.” American Educational History
Journal, vol. 35, no. 2, 2008, pp. 381–92,
www.angelo.edu/colleges/college-of-education/documents/NCATE%20Exhibits/Standard
%205%20Exhibits/Std5c2%20Exhibits%20Rev/027-Williamson%20&%20Wesley%20N
ull.pdf.
