Self-Reliance

Review of R.W Emerson’ Self-Reliance 

Resumed by
Kam  Imam

Depend on the Emerson’s essay in the literature book; "The intelectual American Tradition" His thought is divided into Three parts:

First; the importance of self reliance (Paragraph 1-17) Emerson begins his major work on individualism by asserting the importance of thinking for oneself rather than meekly accepting other people's ideas. As in almost all of his work, he promotes individual experience over the knowledge gained from books: "To believe that what is true in your private heart is true for all men. that is genius." The person who scorns personal intuition and, instead, chooses to rely on others' opinions lacks the creative power necessary for robust, bold individualism. This absence of conviction results not in different ideas, as this person expects, As a whole, it promotes self-reliance as an ideal, even a virtue, and contrasts it.

Second; self-reliance and the individual (paragraphs 18-32) Emerson gives a little example that we must "Trust thyself," to rely on others' judgments is cowardly, without inspiration or hope. A person with self-esteem, on the other hand, exhibits originality and is childlike unspoiled by selfish needs. It is to this adventure of self-trust that Emerson invites us: We are to be guides and adventurers, destined to participate in an act of creation modeled on the classical myth of bringing order out of chaos.

Third; self-reliance and society (paragraphs 33-50). Our age yields no great and perfect persons. We want men and women who shall renovate life and our social state, but we see that most natures are insolvent; cannot satisfy their own wants, have an ambition out of all proportion to their practical force, and so do lean and beg day and night continually. Our housekeeping is mendicant, our arts, our occupations, our marriages, our religion we have not chosen, but society has chosen for us. We are parlor soldiers. We shun the rugged battle of fate, where strength is born.