Self-Reliance

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Self-Reliance is an essay written by Ralph Waldo Emerson and published in 1841.

In this essay, Emerson conveys his transcendentalist philosophy and belief in self-reliance, an essential part of which is to trust in one's present thoughts and impressions rather than those of other people or of one's past self. This philosophy is exemplified in the quote: "A foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of little minds." Emerson stresses the need to believe one's own thoughts, while actively searching one's internal mind in order to capture the flash thought that may or may not come across. However, Emerson articulates that although one has unlimited potential in oneself, few actually possess the confidence to develop his mind fully. Emerson then writes, "Trust yourself," for God will not have his work made manifest by "cowards". Immediately afterwards, he asserts that everyone had the innate tendency to express independent, genuine verdict when young. But, when young men become adults, Emerson argues, they will become "clapped into jail by his consciousness." Additionally, the various expectations of society will influence the minds of adults to a great extent, for society does not love realities and creative minds, but loves customs and traditions. The essay states that "To be great is to misunderstood", by illustrating how enourmously influential historical characters (Jesus Christ, Columbus, Pythagoras, Copernicus) where fiercely opposed during their lifetimes, while time later demonstrated the accuracy of their proposals.

Emerson also stresses originality, believing in one's own genius and living from within. From this springs the quote: "Envy is ignorance, imitation is suicide." He goes one step forward from mere incorformism by suggesting everyone to "make your own Bible", instead of blindly following traditionaly held religious ideas.