Imitation Is Suicide Analysis

The United States is a nation that has traditionally encouraged and facilitated the dreams of its citizens. It is for this reason that millions of people from different parts of the world migrate to the US in the hope of achieving their desires. While there are structures that are intended to make it easier for individuals to attain their goals, the principle of self-reliance dictates how Americans work towards their dreams. Ralph Emerson Waldo authored an article in which he shed light on the issue of self-reliance. The key argument that he makes in this article is that individuals need to develop convictions that they believe in deeply (Waldo par. 1). It is these convictions that allow them to stay true to their beliefs and values. Waldo

He holds that “envy is ignorance; that imitation is suicide” (Waldo par. 2). This statement points to the fact that individuals need to preserve the self. It is fairly easy for an individual to desire what their self does not possess. Waldo reminds such individuals that imitating what others are amounts to suicide (Waldo par. 2). Therefore, those who wish to keep their unique selves alive need to steer clear of envy and endeavor to remain original. Originality is the essence of the self. It is through originality that the self manifests. Those who have embraced foreign cultures and practices have essentially killed their selves. The United States serves as a perfect manifestation of the self as depicted by Waldo in his essay. This country is modeled on unique values and practices. Instead of being influenced by alien practices, the nation has remained committed to its founding principles. It is from America’s commitment to the values and traditions established by the Founding Fathers that the American identity can be defined. To be American means to stay faithful to oneself and to shun all forms of

However, there is also some mention of some external influences which shape the self. He contends that ‘God will not have his work made manifest by cowards” (Waldo par. 2). This statement can be taken to mean that the self is a manifestation of courage and a representation of God. Since God does not choose cowards to manifest his works, it must be that he only selects those individuals who have demonstrated courage. Courage can only be demonstrated by those who are in touch with their true selves. These are people who have accepted themselves as they are and have no desire to imitate. Therefore, it can be argued that since God only works with courageous individuals who understand and are at peace with their selves, it must be that the self manifests through courage. Courage is an integral component of the American identity. The American nation has emerged through numerous challenges. The nation’s resilience and the ability of its citizens to withstand challenges constitute the American