According to the text, Ralph Waldo Emerson's avid reading of Hindu philosophy had a great influence on his thinking. Use context clues to define avid

A strong conviction.

Explanation:

Generally, the term 'avid' can be understood as having a deep or keen interest in something or someone. It is simply holding a firm desire or enthusiasm towards a particular thing.

To define the term 'avid' according to the context clues, it could be understood as the act of having a strong conviction towards a particular set of beliefs or ideas.

This can be inferred from the fact that Ralph Waldo Emerson's keen interest in Hindu philosophy. It had influenced him so much that it had changed his conviction about humans and the universe.

in "letter from a birmingham jail," king argues that there are four basic steps in any nonviolent campaign: "[c]ollection of the facts to determine whether injustices exist; negotiation; self purification; and direct action." finally, direct action is taken and acts such as boycotts and sit-ins are staged.