Today we discuss an essay by the great American poet and essayist Emerson. This short essay was one of his contributions to the Dial in 1844.
In Gifts by Ralph Waldo Emerson describes the custom of giving , receiving presents and the nature of both the sender and receiver. He terms the gift as ‘a portion of thyself’ rather than something that could be purchased readily from the shop. Even though practically that is so very the case, a present is uplifted in true spirits or downgraded by any or combine elements just mentioned above. Emerson elucidates the virtues of selfless giving. In this essay, Emerson encourages the reader to do some ‘high thinking’ about the nature of both ‘gift giving’ and ‘gift receiving’. Just like The Sphinx poem, Emerson brings differing elements of the transcendental and applied world we live in, to make us think of human nature which maybe can be one layer above.
Emerson raises some very pertinent questions :
- Why is there a shortage of gifts in this great wide world? From flowers to chocolates and showcase items of all budgets, there is a variety of choices. But a person can be limited because of social stature for eg. the gifter may be compelled to buy something which is unique and expensive or currently in fashion or a jewelry of finest design etc. The more he shops around, the more he is confused.
- Ironically the other question Emerson puts forward is, why does gift giving in social circles end up about the choice of gifts, Emerson finds ‘Flowers’ and ‘Fruits’ or 'Wine' as some very obvious choices. I mean he couldn't be farther from the truth. We just have to put on any old MGM movies to see house parties being arrived at with baskets of tulips and fine quality Chardonnays. Again, the presenter is limited to a small variety, though from the outside realm it seems as if there is a shopping plaza ready to solve all gifting problems.
- Emerson wonders if the self importance of the gift giver is directly proportional to the cost and effort of the gift. The more expensive the gift, the more he is esteemed in higher circles of society. And boy is he under pressure for choosing the same! A person may be a corrupt politician or the mafia, but his present will be valued according to the glitter of the diamond and not his wicked gleam in the eye.
- The ‘necessity for the recipient’ is a good parameter to consider while choosing a gift. Emerson gives few examples like, presenting shoes to a barefooted person will definitely help him because he needs it. Hence, ordinary living items are a great gift idea. At this point, Emerson has stepped down from the critical point of view towards higher society and now understands the way common people live.
- Another practical gifting thought is that the presenter should be thoughtful of the character of the gift receiver. There is sentiment behind understanding how the other person feels about receiving something, especially as it may affect their self respect. This point is about being empathetic and understanding and not forcing goodwill by way of mindless gifting.
-Emerson condemns those kinds of gifts which do not represent the giver’s life and talent. In doing so, the intention of giving a gift reduces to an effort for enhancing one’s own standing and is ultimately seen cold and without any memorable feeling attached to it. They just become part of the furniture of home, catching dust.
- Though I found this point tough to follow, I feel there is wisdom in it. Emerson suggests people to remain detached and unaffected on receiving a gift. This keeps future expectations and 'soiling' of relationships.
He concludes the essay by emphasizing again the true spirit of gifting, which is sharing of love between the gift-giver and the receiver of it. ‘the power of love is a genius gift and the best of all.’ He states that love is all encompassing and universally sought. A gift that sings in love should be accepted with utmost joy.'
Pic courtesy - Boston Athenæum
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