...(2) the conscience. V. Idealism results from a contemplation of the function of nature as discipline: "It is a sufficient account of that appearance we...certain number of congruent sensations which we call sun, moon, etc." Culture leads to this idealism: (1) change of view changes the object, and thus nature...

...perpetually suggests itself," writes Emerson in his first published work, "whether this end [Discipline] be not the Final Cause of the Universe; and whether nature outwardly exists" (I, 52). The cause of this doubt is "my utter impotence to test the authenticity of the report of my...