Emerson Self Reliance Analysis

Relying on one’s self, perceived through the eyes of Ralph Waldo Emerson, is seemingly the only way to show a man’s true genius and goodness to society. Transcendentalism, continually associated with Emerson and his essay “Self-reliance”, announces how the belief in one’s self and one’s ideals pushes away society’s conformity nature, and creates new ideas and questions. Throughout Emerson’s essay, he preaches for society to break away from traditional values, maintain open-minds, and embrace change without unnecessary contradiction. Emerson discusses all of these aspects by metaphorically comparing man’s freedom to understandable objects/situations, alluding to religion, and analyzing the relationship between man’s mind and nature. Everyday,
Throughout his piece, Emerson repetitively uses the words “divine” and “goodness” to relate a man’s individual beliefs to that of preachers preaching religion, especially Christianity. By repeating these terms, he emphasizes that speaking one’s mind will not only further a man’s intelligence, but also fulfill a man spiritually. This idea is a major component of Transcendentalism, which is known as a “spiritual” philosophy, not exactly a religion because it doesn’t abide by certain rules. Without rules, the mind isn’t restricted and is able to wonder and ponder philosophies freely. Besides “divine” and “goodness”, Emerson uses other forms religious diction such as “faithful”, “God”, and “Almighty” while also mentioning Jesus, Moses, and Luther as some of the great minds that were misunderstood. These terms and examples of geniuses help further the idea that man should fully express himself, and believe in his own beliefs. The references of people who died or would’ve died for what they believed in are provided to be inspirational and to encourage man to rely on his self and preach his own