Imitation is Suicide

“ Imitation is suicide;” is the most direct and accurate way to sum up the beliefs of Ralph Waldo Emerson. Emerson wrote a work called “Self – Reliance”, which is where the last excerpt was taken; discussing his beliefs on how every man should approach life. The theory of self – reliance is based on thinking for one’s self, and not relying on the ideas of others. His following was strong, but probably his most renowned follower was Henry David Thoreau. Thoreau became a close friend the Emerson while studying under him. So close in fact, that Emerson allowed Thoreau to build a small cabin on his land near Walden Pond. This is the location where Thoreau wrote his popular book Walden.

In Walden, one can see the influence Emerson’s beliefs had on Thoreau. Thoreau was living out the idea of self – reliance in its truest form. He built a small cabin in the woods near Walden Pond more than a mile from the nearest town. The cabin was nothing more than necessary, and was not luxurious in any way. Which perfectly coincides with Emerson’s writings that one should cherish oneself not the property he owns. Many people look at material objects and judge a person by those, instead of judging the person by who they really are. His humble dwelling contained a minimum amount of furniture; which in and of itself even followed the guidelines of self – reliance. Emerson wrote when he has company, he does not try to please and entertain them. He feels as if his company should be attempting to please him. Thoreau has a simple living style because he does not need to impress anyone as long as he is content.

This separation from civilization allowed him to be his own person without the influence of the outside world. Although Thoreau was still in walkin...

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...re very close to Emerson’s description in “Self – Reliance.” It satisfies Emerson’s ideal of a self – reliant person as closely as I can imagine possible. I am negating the fact that Thoreau obviously takes these ideas from Emerson and they are not his own, because one cannot follow Emerson’s guidelines without studying and learning them. Following the guidelines of “Self – Reliance” is impossible due to the fact that accepting these rules as your own means you are taking Emerson’s ideas and not your own. In my opinion Emerson does not want everyone to move out into the woods and live alone. Just to stay wherever you are and find your own genius in your own mind. Do not worry about what the world says about what you do. Thoreau did not have to move to the woods to achieve self – reliance, however I feel as if Emerson wanted to let him realize that on his own.