Emerson was a poet and essayist who established himself as a leading spokesman for transcendentalism. He developed his own philosophy combining German idealism, Neo-Platonism, and Asian mysticism, and dominated the American lecture circuit of the 1830s with his winter lecture tours, which included the notable essays “The Over-Soul” and “Self-Reliance.” Although he published many volumes of essays and poetry, his lectures provided most of his income. What famous philosopher was Emerson’s godson? Discuss