Emerson

Self-Reliance by Ralph Waldo Emerson Ralph Waldo Emerson’s essay “Self-Reliance” begins with an admonition to believe in the true self. He shows persuadable arguments for personal independence. In his essay, he states, “Trust thyself: every heart vibrates to that iron string. Accept the place the divine providence has found for you, the society of your contemporaries, the connection of event” (Emerson). It shows that Emerson wants people to be more confident and learn how to trust themselves. He leads people to have faith and be more “self-reliance” in oneself. Eventually he applies his idea to society and all of its aspects such as education, religion, and art. It brings an attention how societies never advanced. Emerson thinks that society effects on the growth of everyone’s independence because each individual lose its spirit of nonconformity. He also points that praying effects on “self-reliance.” According to Emerson, the hope to see something greater than the self would be senseless. Emerson shows individualism through his essay “Self-Reliance.” He believes that society hold too much influence in guiding people what they thought or their behaviors. Emerson thinks that society such as church and government should not have the rights to tell people what is right and wrong. He says the only person who has the right to decide is oneself. He emphasizes on trusting our own selves. To me, he is saying that everyone is unique and each one of us should listen our inner voice. I often have a trouble with rejecting someone’s favor. Most of times, I follow others even if that is not what I want. Emerson inspires myself and others today; he persuades that each individual should be more confident and trust oneself.