Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau both discussed the subject of expansion, but their opinions differed on the issue. Emerson, author of “Self-Reliance,” thought America’s future was hopeful, while Thoreau, author of “Resistance to Civil Government,” thought America’s future was hopeless. Ralph Waldo Emerson, author of “Self-Reliance.” ", had a hopeful vision of what America would become. (more info here—introduce quote)“…the soul is light; where it is, it is daytime; where it was, it was dark; and the story is an impertinence and an insult, if it is anything other than a joyful apologue or a parable of my future” (277). Emerson suggested that the soul is the most valuable element in moving forward. In comparing the soul to light, Emerson was directly referring not only to the visibility of the soul, but also to the almost celestial aura of the soul and the weightlessness of the soul compared to the heaviness of the story. Emerson used allegories to present this concept of day and night, which represented the past and the future. When he spoke of the day, he was referring to the future. When he spoke of night, he was referring to the past. He believed that Americans should not dwell on past history, but rather look toward the future. (look west; observe nature; imagine as we grow; transparent eyeball; look into the future – see this as we develop) Emerson encouraged Americans not to conform, to be individuals instead of following what society considers right. Emerson wrote, “Foolish consistency is the imp of little minds” (274). In simpler terms, Emerson meant that Americans should not just do what had been done in the past; Americans should think in their own terms and move society forward by doing something... middle of paper... they regret, and sometimes they petition; but they don't do anything serious and effective. They will wait, well disposed, for others to remedy the evil… at most they will only give a cheap vote” (968). Thoreau was under the impression that the majority of Americans disagreed with slavery and the Mexican-American War, but the most proactive thing they do is a vote that doesn't actually make a difference, being since the government holds all the power. Even if Americans disagreed with the government, they would simply wait for someone else to do something to alleviate the problem, in this case slavery and war. Emerson and Thoreau disagreed over the fate of the nation. Emerson had a hopeful vision of the nation's future as it expanded. In contrast, Thoreau had a desperate vision of how the nation would end as a result of expansion, particularly the expansion of slavery..