...Sanaya Williams PH-221 Professor Bradley Final Paper- Ralph Waldo Emerson Self-Reliance “Self- Reliance” is considered one of Ralph Waldo Emerson’s best-known essays. The essay was first published in 1841 in his collection, Essays: First Series. This essay contains the most thorough statement of Emerson’s emphasis on the need for individuals to avoid conformity and false consistency, and instead follow their own instincts and ideas. This essay shows Emerson’s ways for making and translating classical philosophy and turning it to comprehensible language, and signifying its relevance to everyday life. It is broken into three sections: the value of and barriers to self-reliance, self-reliance and the individual, and self-reliance and society. The Value of and Barriers to Self-Reliance was my favorite section. Emerson began his essay with the assertion, “To believe in your own thought, to believe that what is true for you in your private heart is true for all men.” This one statement summed up what I thought self-reliance was which was the reliance upon one’s own thoughts and ideas. In this section Emerson argues that people such as Plato are held at the highest regard simply because they spoke what they thought. Plato did not rely on the words of someone else, books, or tradition. Emerson explained that another barrier for self-reliance is the fear of our own consistency. A quote that went along with his example would be “a reverence for our past act for computing out...
Words: 650 - Pages: 3
...Cynthia Dunn April 28, 2012 Self- Reliance AML 2000-17 Instructor Wiggs Virtues are in the popular estimate rather the exception than the rule (Bryant, 2008). Emerson describe as some pieces of individual characters or donations paying fine in favors daily in front of a big no imaginary parade, that we as men our work is finished when we said we sorry to a busy living world, as no valid or no senses pay high price. Emerson said that our virtues are hatred and offences to god. He (Emerson) does not need favor, but just to live. In conclusion he said that our life is for itself and not for a spectacle, so as some exceptions were given by the biggest Virtuosos like Beethoven or Chopin to the public in big spectacle with their music as composers, rather than the rule given by their music professors. A foolish consistency is a hobgoblin of little minds, adored by little statesmen and philosophers and divines (Bryant, 2008). Foolish is a person or action lacking good sense, judgment, unwise, now hobgoblins are little hairy men, friendly but troublesome creatures. Emerson describe a great man has simply nothing to do when his action are in consistency that he may as well concern himself with his reflex ion on a wall, that he speak his mind now with strong word, and tomorrow speak what tomorrow will have in mind with strong word again, and thoughts it challenge everything you said today. In conclusion people had a misconception on Pythagoras, and Socrates, and Jesus...
Words: 299 - Pages: 2
...KEYS TO PERSONAL LEADERSHIP - initiative and selfreliance Mr. Ronay’s history encompasses 35 years of leadership as a CEO, consultant, founder, trainer, and coach in technology, life style, leadership, change management, and disruptive businesses domestically and internationally. He has devoted much energy to public service and volunteer organizations. Written for the Aug Austin Software Council newsletter.. June, 2001 The ability to lead is a peculiar combination of human characteristics equal to, if not more important than the ability to discover, to invent, and to create. Invention results from the experiment with the unknown; leadership, by contrast, grows out of experience with what is already known. The Austin Software Council was birthed as an experiment to forge solidity of experience in networking and awareness building helping to drive our technology community toward greater leadership capabilities. --------------------------- Contrary to the cliché genuinely nice guys most often finish first or very near it because they are leaders. Historically, for me, grade school was a command and control environment, a carrot and stick behavior modification routine filled with rules, sin, prayers, shame, guilt, fear and not much on leadership. High school had less of the same although the Army military academy I attended sprinkled in military precepts of leadership. College, the Air Force and a pilot career left more in my bag of leadership skills. Most behaviors were highly...
Words: 1418 - Pages: 6
...Emerson’s essay, “Self Reliance”, is a truly inspiring and interesting piece of literature that spoke to me on many different levels. From its sometimes subtle imagery of the times to its strong well written message about relying on one’s self and not conforming, it allows me to relate it to my own thoughts for a better understanding of the material. The two passages that spoke to me the most were found on pages 208 and 213 of our text. They spoke of doing your best and not listening to those who seem to know more and yet know nothing based on my interpretation. The quote found in the passage on page 208 is the one I will go into more detail with. On page 208 of the text one of the quotes mentioned were “But do your work, and I shall know you. Do you work, and you shall reinforce yourself.” (Pearson Education Company). This quote spoke to me because of the fact I believe that education and hard work is a way to express yourself and reinforce yourself to your employer or to others in your peer group. One of the things I judge myself by is how much I work to improve myself and my situation for the better. In regards to the image that I got when I read this quote, it was of someone working their way up to better themselves and to be acknowledge by their peers. I felt it was a motivational essay with a very serious, urgent and yet light tone that pulls the reader in so that its message is delivered. He goes on to say that “For nonconformity the world whips you with...
Words: 545 - Pages: 3
...In “Self-Reliance”, Emerson emphasizes the idea that people should trust themselves and shouldn’t be persuaded by outside forces. This is evident in the very first line of the essay where he states, “Trust thyself: every heart vibrates to that iron string” (163). People are allowed to have their own opinions, and conventional forces should not interfere with this entitlement. Emerson states that it is better to exercise one’s own power, rather than notice others and envy them. He also explains that it is important to focus on one’s inner self and attitude towards the future. He displays this through the quote “He cannot be happy and strong until he too lives with nature in the present, above time” (163). He highlights society’s two faults, conformity and consistency. Emerson informs readers that often times, people do not take a certain stance because they fear contradiction. However, according to Emerson, the best way to rid of consistency is to be spontaneous and free-willed. In the essay, Emerson says that people should live in the present and uses nature as an example. He states, “These roses under my window make no reference to former roses or to better ones; they are for what they are; they exist with God today” (163). There is no point of dwelling on the past and worrying about what may come in the future. This is not to say that one should commit acts without prior thought. I believe that the point Emerson attempts to make is that overlooking...
Words: 441 - Pages: 2
...Self-Reliance Ralph Waldo Emerson Transcendentalism sparked disapproval against society and its organized institutions, and brought into light the inherit goodness of individuals. Along with it, transcendentalism brought writers who advocated for the power of the individual, such as Ralph Waldo Emerson. In his piece, Self-Reliance, Emerson identifies the true power of the individual through firm belief that happiness and peace are self-generated by the individual. His writings lay firm hold of the good in each individual, and their abilities to remain intellectually independent, not allowing themselves to be influenced by society and the teachings of others. During his time, Emerson was often seen as a prophet with little to no flaws. The existence of his failures and mistakes went unnoticed, but like any other person, he too had his share of experience with both failure and success. Contrary to the way others would react to good or bad situations, Emerson stood out in the way that he did not believe one had to go through a roller coaster of emotions in reaction to those situations. He published dozens of essays and gave more than 1,500 public lectures across the country, spreading his beliefs to those who also disagreed with the pressure society put on the individual. “To believe your own thought, to believe what is true in your private heart, is true for all men, -- that is genius.” (Emerson, 269). Emerson strongly advocated for the power of the individual by clearly...
Words: 1418 - Pages: 6
...Ralph Waldo Emerson was a writer who wrote mainly about self-reliance. “Self-reliance” was a major essay he published in 1841. Many of the quotes Emerson used in the essay were all very important and supporting statements. One quote he used was “To believe your own thought, to believe what is true for you in your private heart is true for all men,-that is genius.” The quote Emerson used in the essay was to basically show the true colors of society and how it’s good to think for yourself. “To believe your own thought, to believe what is true for you in your private heart is true for all men,-that is genius.” This quote is telling how society is a group of people who would rather have someone make decisions for them to insure that they can get...
Words: 368 - Pages: 2
...paragraph Emerson said that people’s destiny was to accept that the divine creator is within us, also that the universe is full of decency and it’s all powerful. There can also be a power found within that we ourselves don’t even know about. 3. Explain what Emerson believes about society as a whole. (Paragraph 3) Emerson believed that a society as a whole is instilling in the belief against the strong and powerful inner nature of virtue and non-conformity. 4. What is self-reliance an aversion to? (Paragraph 3) Self-reliance is an aversion to conformity. 5. What is a person's most sacred possession? (Paragraph 4) A person’s most sacred possession is the integrity of one’s mind according to Emerson. 6. Do you think there is a difference between self-reliance and selfishness? Explain your answer. I believe that there is a different between self-reliance and selfishness because relying on your own abilities and judgment. Selfishness is when someone is only concerned about one’s self and no one else’s. Also selfishness can be when one is not showing care to anyone else and only to themselves. 7. Highlighted in green, you will find some of the figures of speech Emerson uses to make comparisons between two unlike things. For example, he likens planting corn to man's daily struggle to live in the world. (Paragraph 1). What...
Words: 757 - Pages: 4
...Individuals simply relying on others suppresses the individual from knowing who they are. Children who grow without doing anything for themselves feel lost once their source of reliance no longer lifts them up. Children are meant to stand on their own and walk their own paths. In the essay Self-Reliance, Emerson discusses the importance of the individual’s mindset. Emerson suggests that the individual is to stand firm in the path he/she creates instead of simply following the paths of others. Emerson uses the symbolism of grass and roses to represent how each life is not determined by anything but the rose or grass itself. Emerson states, “(Roses) make no reference to former roses or to better ones; they are for what they are,” (279). Nature, such as grass and roses, doesn’t determine the course of their life based off of other plants. Nature simply focuses on the course that would benefit its own system rather than imitating other plants. Emerson suggests the same of the individual. The individual...
Words: 499 - Pages: 2
...his readers to follow their own desires and goals, instead of what other people expected of them. Emerson insisted in becoming in a person becoming in tune with their own voice, and not the voices of others. This is something that I have experienced first-hand in my life. I decided I wanted to marry young at nineteen years old, and many people told me that I was making the wrong decision, that I would never finish school, and that I would never be able to pursue my dreams. I insisted in following my own wants, and have now been happily married for five years. Neither marriage nor having children have ever become an impediment in continuing my studies, and I am glad that I didn’t listen to what people had to say. I have found myself to be self-reliant with my career, because becoming a teacher is something I have always wanted to...
Words: 1497 - Pages: 6
...relying on others for help. Always depending on others causes an individual to lack self-reliance and self-sufficiency. I can shamefully admit that, as a child, I was extremely dependent on everyone around me for everything I did. I was most dependent on my family, including my mom, dad, sister, and cousins. From age ten to twelve I became extremely needy that I started to develop severe laziness. I was so lazy that one day I had asked my cousin to make me a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, to which she replied no and demanded I make it myself. The only response my sluggish mind could utter was, “But I do not know how to make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich,” which was an absolute lie. It was as if I began to view my family as my servants. Rarely would I do anything for myself. All I had to say was “I want this” and it would become mine. I was given money, clothes, toys, and food whenever I wanted. I developed into an incompetent child. When I turned thirteen years old, my parents started to act stricter and enforced more rules. This was a turning point in my life because I finally understood that I could not be successful in life by relying on anyone else but myself. From that moment on, I focused all my energy on transforming myself into an independent individual. Personally, I believe a person who is independent portrays characteristic traits such as self-determination, self-sufficient, and self-reliant. In order to change myself from a lazy, reliant person into a young lady...
Words: 533 - Pages: 3
...Is Self-sustainability good? “Self-sustainability is a quality of one’s independence, survivability applies to the future maintainability of one’s self-sustainability and indeed one’s existence” (157). Its purpose is not to wait for the opportunity to knock at one’s door but to create opportunities for their self by doing hard-labor and acquiring the qualities that are necessary to survive in life. It can also keep you waiting for the right opportunity, but keeping on making important preparations so that one is not found wanting when the opportunity comes. For us students it means continuing regular studies and making other preparations to do well on the examination, interview or group discussion. Self-sustainable people are the makers and masters of their destiny. They never blame fate, circumstances or find fault with systems or society. They make their own tools and use them with great skill and concentration, focusing on their goal. Their success, achievement and creation bear the stamp of their personality. They are original in their ideas, innovative in their approach and become the torch-bearers for others. They are always able to achieve their objectives because they are resolute, single-minded and self-disciplined. They know their relative strengths and weaknesses and use their energies in such a manner that their weaknesses are not exposed to others. Since they execute their plans themselves, they have some margin to manipulate things in that way. Self-sustainability...
Words: 1328 - Pages: 6
...expressed is the element of self-reliance. All four authors convey self-reliance as a desire of one to accomplish feats without assistance from parents, and that it helps to give a sense of importance and independence. Civil Disobedience, Self-Reliance, Into the Wild, and “It’s All On Me” all include self-reliance as a vital element. In Thoreau’s Civil Disobedience, the importance of self-reliance is stressed, stating that “Let every man make known what kind of government would command his respect, and that will be one step forward to obtaining it.” Thoreau, in this quote from his story, calls for self-reliance, not self-reliance for one man, self-reliance as a nation. He believes that if the people will do right, rely on themselves rather than the government, then the overbearing government would not have to be as powerful. Thoreau believed in the motto, “The government is best which governs least.” He trusted the people to be reliable enough to run a government which did not have to govern much. This trust he puts into the people of the newfounded United States is an example of early transcendentalism....
Words: 505 - Pages: 3
...Office Technology and Management: A Catalyst for Students’ Self-reliance. ABSTRACT This paper discusses office technology and management as a catalyst for students’ self-reliance. The core of the paper is that when students who are considered future leaders are empowered, it subsequently leads to the social, economic and political growth and stability of any nation. Office technology and management formerly known as secretarial studies is proffered as the catalyst education for students’ self-reliance based on all spheres of human endeavour. It guarantees prompt and decent employment for students who have competent secretarial skills. Students, after graduation could also go entrepreneurial to establish small-scale businesses of different types. INTRODUCTION In the national development equation, education remains the fulcrum upon which other indices of national development revolve. It is no doubt, that office technology and management education is one of the disciplines that train students for self-reliance and self-sufficiency. The level and quality of education collectively attained in a given society determines the extent to which other factors of development are exploited for the advancement of that society. Office technology and management creates awareness, develops the potentials in man to subdue and harness the resources in his environment for the betterment of himself and his society. Education according to Boladele (2002) is a process of acculturation through...
Words: 3704 - Pages: 15
...High school doesn’t shape you into who you are but the experiences and test that life puts us through do. Ralph Emerson discusses that to be self-reliant you have to a nonconformist and to trust yourself. When I think about the term self-reliance I would have never thought it would have meant to not be conformed to what you have but to always rely on yourself only. I don’t mean that in a selfish way, what I mean is to always believe in yourself and what you believe is right. If I think about myself back when I was in high school, I wouldn’t see myself being a self-reliant...
Words: 1795 - Pages: 8
