Ralf Waldo Emerson an American Poet who writes “From The American Scholar” and Tom Shadyac director of the film “I am” through their work, express common views of the problems in the world and that the solution to these problems are in the hands of the people. Shadyac’s film and the quote from Emerson’s book indicate that each person has the power to make a difference in the world if they are able to recognize the problems and possess the will to pursue the solutions. Emerson writes “The world is his who can see through its pretension” to inform the reader that success in the world belong to the person who is able to recognize everything that is false, the pressures of society, the unrealistic expectations, the negative values, and is not influence by them. When he writes “What deafness, what stone-blind custom, what overgrown error you behold, is there only by sufferance…by your sufferance”, he demonstrates that people put up with or accept and do not question or challenge norms, bad behavior, wrong doing and questionable traditions that they are not in agreement with. Instead they turn a blind eye and …show more content…
People who are successful purchase big houses, go on expensive vacations and live a life of luxury only to realize that they are not happier than the time they had nothing. He gave another example of an unhappy person who is naked, hungry and outdoor in the cold. He is given food, clothing and taken inside and instantly he becomes happy. These examples complement Emerson’s quote “The world is his who can see through its pretensions” because once a person is able to see that the things society values do not bring them true happiness they will be open to sharing with others. True happiness is achieved with the fulfilment of basic needs and wants, and not with the hoarding of
“Ralph Waldo Emerson.” PB Works. Ed. Jenny Sindon. PB Works, 2009. Web. 17 Apr. 2014
In "Self-Reliance," philosopher Ralph Waldo Emerson argues that people shouldn't be reliant on what others in society think. The main point of this essay is for people in society to realize that the only way to be comfortable is to be uncomfortable first. Throughout the essay it can be complicating to understand what Emerson is trying to accomplish. In the first paragraph Emerson states," The soul always hears an admonition in such lines." He also writes," Watch that gleam of light which flashes across his mind." Lastly Emerson claims," we shall be forced to take with shame our own opinions from another."
One of the primary issues that Emerson tried to convey was that one must follow what they believe is true for themselves and not listen to what other people think. He states, “It is easy in the world to live after the world’s opinion; it is easy in solitude to live after our own; but the great man is he who in the midst of the crowd keeps perfect sweetness the independence of solitude(Emerson 151).” One of the definitions of the word “world” is “human society.” The word “opinion” means “a view, judgment, or appraisal formed in the mind about a particular matter.” By putting these words together, Emerson is implying that the “world’s opinion” is the general point of view accepted by most of society. Emerson also uses the word, “solitude” which means, “the quality or state of being alone or remote from society.” By also using the word “solitude” in this sentence, he shows a contrast between the majority (society), and the individual. What Emerson suggests is that if one can live in a world full of people who think a certain way because they were taught to believe that way, but still hold your own ground and follow what you believe, you are a great person.
I agree with the statement Benjamin Anastas makes about Ralph Waldo Emerson’s “self-reliance” of how it is “the most pernicious piece of literature in the American canon” (Anastas 602-603). One reason why I agree with Anastas is that Emerson believes the people are timid and apologetic and do not have opinions of their own. Another reason why I stand alongside Anastas is that Emerson thinks people are afraid of each other and the truth(s) that others have are but quotes from a saint or sage. My final reason that I believe Anastas is correct is due to Emerson believing our society does not gain anything new that makes life worth living.
Accept the place the divine Providence has found for you” (Emerson, pp. 2). Emerson describes the state of a child’s mind and how he acts without self-doubt and sub-partial influence to external stimuli. I see this achievement as difficult, as with maturity comes responsibility, with responsibility comes acceptance of societal standards. “Society everywhere is in conspiracy against the manhood of every one of its members.”(Emerson, pg. 3) Synergy’s among man are necessary for a well-functioning society but this quote in my opinion embodies Emerson’s belief that society can detach an individual’s own theory through the overpowering temptation for acceptance. This idea of conforming in my opinion can be separated into either harmony among people for individuals to be a productive member of society or conforming to the masses for self-assuredness and worry of not being accepted by others. One is necessary, while neglect of the other can allow for a sub-conscious level of truth pertaining to an individual’s natural state of mind. However, this neglect can create isolation which unlike Emerson, I believe, will negatively affect emotion, which in turn may result in even less self-acceptance. This is because without the emotional benefits of others’ acceptance, you can’t be truly happy enough to accept one’s
“What I must do, is all that concerns me, not what the people think.” (Emerson, 552) demonstrates that Emerson wants individuals to discover their true self that have unique way of thinking and should have a strong sense of self; The strong sense of self is also presented by “A great man is coming to eat at my house. I do not wish to please him: I wish that he should wish to please me.” (Emerson, 555) while stating that nobody’s ideas should be less valued. Through “The one thing in the world of value, is, the active soul, --the soul, free, sovereign, active.” (Emerson, 539) he shows his preference of resisting influences thinkers in past brings because he believes individuals nowadays can come up with better ideas and reading old ones will hold creativity back. In case that Emerson sticks with the stand that everybody can look into themselves carefully and bring up brand new and great thoughts to contribute to the world, he has no compassion toward poor people. If each individual has ability to be self-reliant, and then the only reason why poor people are poor is that they do not even try to manage their destiny. Therefore, unlike Franklin, Emerson questions “Are they my poor?” (Emerson, 552) to blame poor people.
In Emerson's Self-Reliance we see the crowning work of the transcendentalist movement. In this piece Emerson explains his belief in the innate divinity of man and defines our "Self-Reliance" as the broad identity in which we personally participate. Emerson challenges his readers to not conform to traditional practices in a variety of realms. However, he punctuates just four aspects of these challenges to tradition and they are: religion, education, art, and society. I found these passages to be the best representatives of Emerson's ideology due to their poignancy and numbered paragraphs. He talks of these challenges to man as revolutions due to a greater self-reliance. The profoundness of thought in this piece is surprising to me given the historical period Emerson was bathed in. His thoughts on genius are the means of conveyance for his ideal about nonconformity and originality. Also, the personal and emotional connection with which Emerson uses to convey original thoughts and ideas is apparent in his evaluation of great minds of the past.
The theme of Self-Reliance is an elaboration of this idealist theme: "we are to follow our own lights." The Over-soul, "the only prophet of that which must be," is both "the act of seeing and the thing seen." It creates our world in depth by means of our insight and interpretations. Emerson's great emphasis upon nonconformity and integrity shows that this Over-soul creates a world through individuals rather than through the conformity of s...
It is not a crime to want to be like other people, to fit in with the popular kids, to be accepted into society with all its glory, or is it? One of America’s most influential writer and thinker, Ralph Waldo Emerson – in his essay, Self-Reliance - has a unique opinion on the idea of one’s desire to model another’s respectable actions. He believes that all people should look into themselves and follow their own heart instead of trying to be like everyone else. Emerson’s well thought out figurative language, innovative rhetorical strategies, and remarkable style helps him show the people his individualistic approach.
Emerson now focuses his attention on the importance of an individual’s resisting pressure to conform to external norms, including those of society, which conspires to defeat self-reliance in its members. The process of so-called “maturing” becomes a process of conforming that Emerson challenges. In the paragraph that begins with the characteristic aphorism “Whoso would be a man, must be a nonconformist,” he asserts a radical, even extreme, position on the matter.
In The Happy Man’s Shirt the theme is that one is never truly and fully happy. Even when one seems completely happy, there is always a want for more. In the tale the king thought he had found a man who was the happiest man alive but when the king asked the man to be his bishop the man said “‘Oh, majesty, if only it were so!’”(The Happy Man’s Shirt 1) The king instantly threw the man out reasoning that he wants a man who is happy the way he is. A man who is fully and truly happy doesn’t need wealth fame or fortune, he is happy with what he has got. In addition, one can seem to have everything but be fearful of what to come. Such as in the italian tale, when in search for the happiest man in the land a king was found who seemed to have everything,
Although fear of change may be inherent in human nature showing it may take longer for mankind to accept innovative or enlightened ideas and inventions showing that those who created these ideas and inventions at their time most likely was seen to be insane or a heretic. These great people were ahead of their time therefore misunderstood. While this may be an interpretation of this quote, in the context of the essay “Self-Reliance” it becomes apparent that Emerson is advocating for more than what is on the surface. This quote is the heart of Transcendentalism. Using the theme of individuality to follow one’s heart and a nonconformist ideology there is a possibility of contradiction of actions and thoughts which creates a fog of
Emerson, Ralph Waldo. "The American Scholar." The Heath Anthology of American Literature. Ed. Paul Lauter, et al. 2nd. ed. Vol I. Lexington: Heath, 1994. 1529-1541. Retrieved from http://itech.fgcu.edu/&/issues/vol1/issues/emerson.htm
Emerson through the American scholar has encouraged writers to write with freedom that helps people research more than memorizing texts. The literature in America has changed since and many would refer to his speech as the intellectual declaration of independence like writers from Boston of his time did. The change in literature has thus helped scholars be more efficient and creative by researching on subjects rather than memorizing facts about them. Individuals working independently helps maintain self trust that contributes to unification of society in the country.
Apart from the stronger focus on the common life, the importance rendered to the individual was another political phenomenon characteristic of the time, which is in line with and also adds to Emerson’s idea of an American scholar, who has to be someone who “take(s) up into himself all the ability of the time, all the contribution of the past, all the hopes of the future” and becomes “a university of knowledges”. Emerson therefore claim that the American scholars should refuse the “courtly muses of Europe” and “walk on [their] own feet; … work with [their] own hands; … speak out [their] own minds”.