Self Reliance Essay
Danyell Simpson
American Experience
November 3, 2013
The Idea of American Self Reliance
From the readings of Cooper, Hawthorne, and Emerson you get a coherent understanding of how each writer interpreted the notion of “American Self Reliance”. Self- Reliance is defined as the dependence on one’s own efforts and abilities . There are profound strengths in promoting and practicing the idea of Self-Reliance but also evident weaknesses if the phrase is taken too literally. While making reference to Cooper, Hawthorne and Emerson’s readings the following essay will discuss the notion of American Self Reliance as well as an advantage and a disadvantage that can be caused by fully living by its creed.
Most of us strive for success and independence. Most take pride in themselves for being able to start from the bottom and emerge on top with no help from others. This is typically interpreted as self reliance. However, it is not always possible to rise to the top by our efforts solely. At times we all need help in succeeding in life or simply bettering ourselves. Emerson’s writing persuades you to believe that man alone is completely self sufficient for him or herself. I view this as a disadvantage or weakness in thought and practice because you cannot always believe that you will never need help from anyone or anything. This type of thinking could potentially stagnant one’s progress and the reluctance to ask for or accept help would be the cause. Emerson writes “To believe your own thought, to believe that what is true for you in your private heart, is true for all men, - that is genius”. I disagree with this statement because it can be interpreted negatively or positively and from the reading I deduced that Emerson only presented this statement in a positive cogitation. This quote further influences us to believe that if we feel we can accomplish anything on our own in our hearts then everyone should believe this as well and in turn this is the most intellectual way
American Experience
November 3, 2013
The Idea of American Self Reliance
From the readings of Cooper, Hawthorne, and Emerson you get a coherent understanding of how each writer interpreted the notion of “American Self Reliance”. Self- Reliance is defined as the dependence on one’s own efforts and abilities . There are profound strengths in promoting and practicing the idea of Self-Reliance but also evident weaknesses if the phrase is taken too literally. While making reference to Cooper, Hawthorne and Emerson’s readings the following essay will discuss the notion of American Self Reliance as well as an advantage and a disadvantage that can be caused by fully living by its creed.
Most of us strive for success and independence. Most take pride in themselves for being able to start from the bottom and emerge on top with no help from others. This is typically interpreted as self reliance. However, it is not always possible to rise to the top by our efforts solely. At times we all need help in succeeding in life or simply bettering ourselves. Emerson’s writing persuades you to believe that man alone is completely self sufficient for him or herself. I view this as a disadvantage or weakness in thought and practice because you cannot always believe that you will never need help from anyone or anything. This type of thinking could potentially stagnant one’s progress and the reluctance to ask for or accept help would be the cause. Emerson writes “To believe your own thought, to believe that what is true for you in your private heart, is true for all men, - that is genius”. I disagree with this statement because it can be interpreted negatively or positively and from the reading I deduced that Emerson only presented this statement in a positive cogitation. This quote further influences us to believe that if we feel we can accomplish anything on our own in our hearts then everyone should believe this as well and in turn this is the most intellectual way