Ralph Waldo Emerson Self Reliance

In the text, “Self Reliance,” written by Ralph Waldo Emerson, he discusses how each individual in society should focus on their own ideas and rely on themselves rather than going about their lives in accordance with socially accepted standards; also known as conformity. In addition, he talks about how critical it is for people to trust their own abilities, but mainly communicates the message that people need to be nonconformists in life. Self-reliance can be defined as the ability, commitment, and effort to provide the spiritual and temporal necessities of life for self and family. Emerson strongly believed in individualism and expresses this deeply in his essay. Overall, Emerson’s “Self Reliance” illustrates that it is important to trust yourself, follow

Throughout the passage, Emerson talks about how people should do what they believe is right and not focus on what others think. Early on in his essay, he writes, “For nonconformity the world whips you with its displeasure” (543). He is describing that nonconformity was looked down upon and was not approved by people. According to Emerson’s essay, not following a set of rules allowed for society to look at you negatively. But he strongly argues that individuals in society need to do their own thing and not base their actions on societal norms. Not only does the author discuss nonconformity, but he also mentions that being misunderstood is not a bad thing. To end the passage by having a powerful effect, Emerson says, “Is it so bad, then, to be misunderstood? Pythagoras was misunderstood, and Socrates, and Jesus, and Luther, and Copernicus, and Galileo, and Newton, and every pure and wise spirit that ever took flesh. To be great is to be misunderstood” (544). He comments that the ideas from legends were misunderstood by others and greatness