Dear Fellow Traveler,
The following is an audio recording (and transcript) of a guided contemplation inspired by the notion of “cosmic optimism” by the American essayist and philosopher Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803—1882). It will likely eventually be posted on the Perennial Meditations YouTube channel. I’m sharing it as a podcast episode to give members early access (and the transcript). If you're a member, you can also listen to the Perennial Meditations (Member Feed) on Spotify (or Substack).
As a reminder, if you’d like to become a member (and supporter), I’ve created three options: (1) Become a member at $5 a month or $39 for the year; (2) If you need assistance, you can use this 50% discount link; and (3) If you can’t afford it — please accept a complimentary membership.
Lastly, feel free to ask questions or make suggestions in the comments!
J.W.
📿 Perennial Meditations
This series delivers guided contemplations inspired by the writings of Stoics, Saints, and Sages. These short contemplations are intended to help you (and me) think deeply about what it means to live an intentional life.
How to Practice “Cosmic Optimism” Like Emerson
How do you make sense of the world? Or put another way, What does it mean to “live well” in a world rife with conflict and suffering? Is it even ethical or appropriate to live our “best life” when people are suffering all around us?
In this meditation (or guided contemplation), we’re exploring what the American essayist and philosopher Ralph Waldo Emerson called “Cosmic Optimism”.
