Transcendentalism Vs. Conformity To Society

Self-reliance is the freedom of being independent. One only relies on oneself and doesn’t look for help or for anyone to save them. One is perfectly content with being solely reliant. Three people who believed greatly in self-reliance were Chris McCandless, Ralph Waldo Emerson, and Henry David Thoreau. They had many different beliefs and along with acting out in civil disobedience, acting in nonconformity, thinking nature was most important, and being a transcendentalist, they was also self reliant. McCandless, Emerson, and Thoreau were all people who believed strongly in self-reliance.

1. The main theme of the piece “Self-Reliance” is that one should never conform to the way that society views that they should because in doing that, a person loses their individuality. Emerson believed that a person should, “Speak [their] latent conviction, and it shall be the universal sense,” meaning that if a person chooses to march to the beat of their own drum, then nobody can tell them their opinion is wrong because at least they are taking a chance and speaking their mind. Emerson’s definition of self-reliance is similar to the common use because both definitions discuss how one should take care of personal needs and be independent. Emerson himself stated that, “the great man is he who

In “Self-Reliance”, Emerson adopts the rhetorical strategy of aphorisms to annex what he thinks by enriching his thesis, while allowing a pause in the reader’s mind to comprehend just what he is saying. Emerson’s honest aphorism advises people to actually believe in themselves in order to be triumphant by saying, “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” (Emerson 1) and “Trust thyself: every heart vibrates to that iron string” (Emerson 3). The aphorism demonstrates that believing in themselves, and what is important to them, the reader, is what everyone else does, that being an individual is a genius idea. Comparing this to what society, especially the younger individuals with in society, they themselves hear differently, that they

To be self-reliant calls for the individual to rely on themselves, but even more so, it calls for he or she to forego society and “be a

There is a large abundance of controversy between individuals over certain topics and what they truly mean. An example of one of these topics is self-reliance. Although there are multiple opinions on the meaning and use of self-reliance the true definition, as found in the dictionary is “a reliance on one’s own efforts and abilities” (Merriam-Webster). Many writers spoke in their writing about their past experiences with self-reliance and what they believe it to be. A few of these writers include Doctor Zhivago, Jon Krakauer, Ralph Waldo Emerson, Walden, and Peter Buffett. By reading these author’s writings you can clearly understand their views and ideas on self-reliance.

It is not possible to be a transcendentalist in today’s world. Transcendentalism is complex way of life that has many requirements despite the broad belief of accepting one’s own views. With so many different beliefs and ways of life present in today’s world, it would be difficult to believe in one’s self. A transcendentalist would only work in today’s society if every person was accepting of everyone else, dedicated to living simply, and followed all the rules with every concept of transcendentalism; something very hard to achieve. Even if everyone achieved this idea, it would no longer be a transcendentalist society anym but would be more of a utopian society where everyone

In today’s society, it appears that every week the general public is raving about a new app that was released or some newly created piece of technology. Week in and week out magazines and news sources highlight the newest inventions and and must-have items, encouraging the public to rush for the stores to acquire the new big thing. While such a concept is commonplace in today’s society, there was a time when this idea of materialism was a rarity, and, to a certain extent, frowned upon. American Transcendentalism was a religious and philosophical movement during the 1820s and ‘30s, that emphasized the importance and purity of the individual, and argued that society and its institutions corrupted the purity of every individual. Transcendentalism

The Essay on Self-Reliance. Kalpaz, 2017. First published in 1841, Self-reliance took a long time to finalize. The essay stresses the necessity of relying on oneself for knowledge and guidance through life. He believes that independent thought is vital to human well-being, and asserting yourself from other ideas. The most important idea from this essay is to Trust yourself, and follow what you feel in your heart is true.

“Trust thyself: Every heart vibrates to that iron string” (Emerson). When you read that quote many would think it is about trusting their first instincts. The way I read it though is trust in your own decisions even if they go off the “normal” beaten path because everyone has their own path they are destined to travel on. This theory of self-reliance is shown in Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer and “Self-Reliance” by Ralph Waldo Emerson since they both display it in following their passion in self-reliance.

Emerson’s “Self- Reliance” was written in a time where America was breaking away from the European norms and European control. America was used to thinking and conforming to the European way, but when we broke away we had learn how to think and do for ourselves. Emerson wrote on this topic of conformity and learning to think for ourselves because, he soon began to see a problem when we conform to society.

My idea of self-reliance is relying on one’s self to perform a task. Also to be an individual, not to have to worry about relying on anyone else. Emerson made some great points that being self-reliant is important. This is important because you don’t want to have to ever rely on someone else. Sometimes the only person you can rely on is yourself which is important because no one should have to rely on anyone else.

Throughout the 19th century in the United States of America, varying notions about nature have been expressed. In regard to nature, the United States had fluctuating notions about government, humanity, and the religion.

Emerson’s plan for Americans to become thinkers and doers in the new country during his time would not be very effective in the twenty-first-century America. Although some may argue that seeking transcendental beliefs would be more beneficial, twenty-first-century America has developed into a more technologically advanced society than during Emerson’s time.

Ralph Waldo Emerson’s “Self-Reliance” was written in 1841 in New England during the Transcendentalist Movement, which was a revolt against the “Age of Reason” and the beginning of Romanticism. Emerson’s essay is about Transcendentalism, the belief that every human has his own way of thinking and personal inborn knowledge to build his opinion, independent from the common beliefs of the community and he should believe in and express his opinion to be successful. Emerson supports the idea of Transcendentalism by urging his readers to trust their own ideas, beliefs and common sense, to listen to and to trust their inner voice and to hold the popular opinion back from influencing their way of thinking, if they want to be successful. He tells

Emerson begins his article by talking about the importance of self reliance. He defines self reliance as thinking for oneself and not letting anyone else influence one in any way, shape, or form. As a human being this may be one of the most difficult tasks. Emerson explains that being self reliant can be difficult especially for adults because they are too worried about their reputations and how others will look upon them. Emerson also says, “ Trust thyself” (2). Emerson believes that one should go with his or her gut in everything she or he does. Even if what she or he wants to do goes against the thoughts of others she or he still needs to pursue his or her dreams. The last thing Emerson wants people to do is be embarrassed of what others will think of themselves. People need to throw away others’ thoughts and opinions and follow one's own.