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Ralph Waldo Emerson, a prominent figure in American literature, was also an abolitionist. Emerson believed that slavery was morally wrong. As a reverend, he often spoke of the horrors of slavery in his sermons, "...especially...'when he needed examples of man's inhumanity to man'" (Gougeon xiii). In late November of 1837, Emerson gave his first official antislavery address. Although he preferred to work alone and use "moral suasion" (Gougeon xxix) to change society, Emerson recognized that "...slavery was such a special and aggressive evil that organized and focused opposition was necessary" (Gougeon xxix). In fact, Emerson's entire family became involved in the abolitionist movement. In August of 1844, Emerson "...made the transition from philosophical antislavery to active abolitionism" (Gougeon xxx). As an abolitionist, Emerson made many antislavery speeches and signed many petitions that spoke out against slavery. He spoke at Lincoln's memorial service, praising "'...his courage, his justice, his even temper, his fertile counsel, [and] his humanity" (Gougeon liii), and thus showing his admiration of the man responsible for the abolition of slavery.
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