“Self-Reliance” Ralph Waldo Emerson
Aphorism- a brief statement that expresses a truth about life. For example,
Ideas from his essay:
 Each person must ultimately rely on herself because nothing good
comes of envying or imitating someone else, and a person can only
profit from her unique place in the world and have faith that God is
working through oneself in a unique way.
 One’s own impulses must be honored as if they came from God;
following your nature is crucial in order to be a self-reliant individual.
 It is easy to live by your own ideas when alone and to conform when
you are with others. A great person refuses to conform even in a
crowd.
 A nonconformist is greeted with sour faces, aversion, and displeasure.
“…The world whips you with its displeasure.”
 “A foolish inconsistency is the hobgoblin of little minds” chastises
those who are consistent for its own sake rather than being progressive
and permitting change. Inconsistency exposes one to criticism from
others.
 Theme of this essay: find what is true for you as a unique individual.
 Some traditions and old doctrines prevent people from seeking the
truth and following their own impulses.
 He encourages people to be open-minded and willing to contradict
their past attitudes.
 Integrity of mind is everyone’s first duty.
 Even in the face of opposition, a freethinker must not conform.
 By believing in self-reliance in all matters, Emerson would be against
slavery. As a nonconformist, he would not be afraid to go against the
sanctioned practice of society at that time.
 Good and evil names that society ascribes to actions; the only true law
is to follow one’s own nature.