Who delivered the "American Scholar" speech in 1837, urging Americans to create their own art and culture?

Ralph Waldo Emerson delivered the "American Scholar" speech in 1837 during a meeting of the Phi Beta Kappa Society at Harvard University. In this influential address, Emerson called for a distinctive American culture, encouraging individuals to break free from European influences and develop their own artistic and intellectual identity. He emphasized the importance of self-reliance, intuition, and the relationship between nature and the human spirit, urging Americans to embrace their unique perspectives and experiences. This speech is significant in the context of American transcendentalism and marks a pivotal moment in the country's cultural development, as Emerson inspired future generations to pursue a distinctly American path in literature and the arts.