Emerson Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Emerson - Essay ExampleEmerson, a former preacher forced from his church for preach his own radical ideas on Christianity, uses strong arguments to try and get us to understand his individual philosophic perspective. Emerson tries to be the embodiment of every man not merely the writer/intellectual. He seeks affinity with any men striving for individuality, especially those disillusioned with societys constraints. Just because not conforming to the expectations of society was a obligate discovery for Emerson, one hundred and fifty years ago, today it is unlikely to rally the equivalent exub timence Emerson had then. Especially when Emerson exhortsWhoso would be a man must be a nonconformist. He who would gather imperishable palms must not be hindered by the name of goodness, but must explore if it be goodness. aught is at last sacred but the integrity of your own mind. Absolve you to yourself, and you shall have the suffrage of the world. (Emerson, pg. 876) down we found tha t power to trust ourselves And we ar now men, and must accept in the highest mind the same transcendent destiny and not minors and invalids in a protected corner, not cowards fleeing before a revolution, but guides, redeemers and benefactors, obeying the Almighty effort and advancing on Chaos and the Dark (Emerson, pg. 875)Self-Reliance expressed the have for creative ... The quote To be great is to be misunderstood (Emerson, pg. 879) exemplified those who shunned ideas regarding new thought and theory during his time. Todays era echos a different chord. We constantly thrive on the newest and latest in writing, music, television and video games. We are easily bored with things unimaginative, over used and over-romanticized. Entertainment has become very individualized. As for self-sufficiency, what kid be his first day of school isnt already inundated with the prospect of being programmed to become self-reliant If a child appears too dependant early on, parent-teacher conferences are soon in order to correct the problem. independency is revered free spiritedness that creates chaos is frowned upon, in classrooms and in society. Emerson musesWhat I must do is all that concerns me, not what the people think. This rule, equally arduous in actual and in intellectual life, may officiate for the whole distinction between greatness and meanness. It is the harder, because you will always find those who think they know what is your obligation better than you know it. It is easy in the world to live after the worlds opinion it is easy in solitude to live after our own but the great man is he who in the thick of the crowd keeps with perfect sweetness the independence of solitude. (Emerson, pg. 877) Again, Emersons romantic notion of the free thinker on his jalopy top living by his own set of values and beliefs is not a new image today. Our society freely condones creative thinking as long as it doesnt infringe upon the rights and freedoms of others. Weve gone full- circle in terms of expressing individuality and freedom. Our freedom