Walt Whitman was born May 31st of 1819 and died March 26th of 1892. He grew up in West Hills, New York. He was the second oldest of 8 children. When he was 11, he was taken out of school by his father in order to help out with the house and his siblings. When he was 17 he started teaching at a school in Long Island. In 1848 Whitman left New York for New Orleans, where he became editor of the Crescent. In 1848, he started writing and published his first poem.

Walt Whitman’s greatest work is by far Song Of Myself. Leaves of Grass is a collection of his poems, whereas Song Of Myself is a full book of this one poem. This poem has astounded readers from the beginning and may be his most complex work. It gives off ideas of loving yourself and others, which was an inspiring message that people needed to hear at the time it was written.

Some quotes from his works were:

“ I discover myself on a verge of a usual mistake”
- Song of myself

“ you will hardly know who I am or what I mean “
- Song of Myself

“ I celebrate myself, and sing myself”
- Song of Myself

His own personal quote:
“ I stand for the sunny point of view”

Walt Whitman is a significant author for many reasons. He introduced the idea of modern crisis and complex feelings. He started a new genre of writing just through his poetry. He inspired many new authors and gave them significance. He spoke out for all the people feeling the things he’s felt.

In my opinion, Walt Whitman is everything that people make him out to be. He was one of the first homosexual authors and was still accepted in the 1800s because he was just that good. I like his writing style and how he is honest he is with himself and the readers. I love how open he was and I afraid to speak his mind. I respect him for all that he was.

My Essential question is, How can being outspoken create benefits for young adults?

I would say that being outspoken can create benefits for people who are not audacious enough to do so. Especially young adults when they are at a time in their life to start doing great things with what they’ve been given, they need a push. Being outspoken can be a good communication skill as well.