Ralph Waldo Emerson’s biggest long term influence in culture was first and foremost as the leader of the transcendentalist movement in mid-19th century America.  As such, he was seen as championing individualism and a leading critic of the pressures from society for individuals to conform or be cast out.  In the course of his career of advocating these things, he  published dozens of essays and gave innumerable public lectures.

Central to the American Romantic movement, he continues to greatly influence thinkers, writers, poets, and romantics around the world.  To at least some degree, I would have to agree that he was a focal point in establishing my own thoughts on a number of topics.  Not the least of these would be my feeling of both oneness and awe of nature.  His central doctrine was of the infinite complexity of even the most simple person in that person’s private thoughts and feelings.  These are what led him to befriend and mentor Henry David Thoreau.

Emerson published several books of essays.  One of these, English Traits, was published in 1856.  This included a famous essay of his called Stonehenge which may be read here:

http://www.bartleby.com/5/216.html

Librivox has several of Emerson’s works in audiobook format.  These are available here:

https://librivox.org/author/1159?primary_key=1159&search_category=author&search_page=1&search_form=get_results

A book of Emerson’s essays can be listened to here without downloading:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9nyEJXFeRdw