The Idea Of Convention: Course Analysis

Throughout this course I have been challenged to read works that I would have never done on my own and think critically about them in a way I would never have. One topic that stuck out to me was the idea of convention. Prior to this course, it was not something I had ever really considered. However, after reading works from Henry Thoreau, the way I view conventionalism and its effects on one’s life has been substantially altered. Originally, I fell victim to conventionalism unknowingly. It just seemed to be how things worked. Even after learning what convention was, I saw nothing wrong with it, initially. Thoreau’s piece, Walden, highlighted the idea that because people have internalized convention so much, we do not even know when we are acting conventional. This is where I realized that it may be something to consider. Thoreau’s work opened my eyes to the downfalls of conventionalism and caused me to reevaluate the way I see it and what is truly important in life.

We are so accustomed to situational paradigms that we begin to conform to them without ever questioning why we do so. It has caused us to no longer think for ourselves and go along with the majority of the population. This quote suggests that men do not even realize they are living this kind of life. It comes so naturally. It is almost instinctive. We have strayed from our roots and now seek happiness in property and material possessions. Convention says a person can be defined by wealth, and we promote that convention by believing it. If people begin to recognize conventionalism, they will be able to see they are leading “lives of quiet