"Self-Reliance"
How does (and should) a person define his/her place in society? (what does Emerson mean by "society" anyhow?)
What are the two major barriers to self-reliance (in your own words)? Who is the "aboriginal Self," the "Trustee"? How does this concept modify the egotism of self-reliance?
What are the implications of self-reliance for business? for religion (prayers, creeds)? for travelling? for art? for property ownership and government?
Here are some of the key sentences marked in context. How would you put any of them in your own words?
"Speak your latent conviction, and it shall be the universal sense...."
"We but half express ourselves, and are ashamed of that divine idea which each of us represents."
"Society everywhere is in conspiracy against the manhood of every one of its members."
"Nothing is at last sacred but the integrity of your own mind.
""What I must do, is all that concerns me, not what the people think."
"A foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of little minds, adored by little statemens and philosophers and divines. With consistency a great soul has simply nothing to do."
"The centuries are conspirators against the sanity and authority of the soul."
"Life only avails, not the having lived. Power ceases in the instant of repose."
"Just as men's prayers are a disease of the will, so are their creeds a disease of the intellect."
"Travelling is a fool's paradise."
"In the Will work and acquire, and thou hast chained the wheel of Chance, and shalt sit thereafter out of fear from her rotations....Nothing can bring you peace but yourself."
what was the blog homework assignment you were talking about?
ReplyDelete1.Emerson sort of looks down on society as a whole. He believes that everyone should find out who they are on their own, who they truly are without the influence of anyone else. He thinks that they should then transfer that exact state of mind to how they feel and act in society, or else society is tainted by those who are not being their true selves, or their best selves. He thinks of society as a "joint-stock company" where everyone pays forward and hopes to get something out. However, he thinks one shouldn't give up ones self for that.
ReplyDelete2. Emerson believes that we are perfect when we are alone, and that it is the influence of others that taints our perfection, and that is the root of what is wrong with society. That is a major barrier to self-reliance, the belief that alone we are not enough. Another is the idea of a collective consciousness, that we must be thinking as one, when Emerson thinks that most important is the thought of the individual.
3. Basically, it is easy to apply Emersonian beliefs of self-reliance to any part of life. Essentially it is to trust yourself and your judgments, and not to let anyone else effect what you believe simply because they disapprove or you are afraid of what you will think. You must rely on yourself, in its most basic form. Hence, the phrase "self-reliance". Rely on yourself, and no one else.
1. Emerson referred to society as a "joint-stock company," meaning that each individual contributes in hopes of benefitting in the long run. He feels that each person should be themselves in society, even if the culture pressures them into acting differently when in public.
ReplyDelete2. Emerson believes that society's way of pressuring an individual in order to fit a certain mold is a barrier of self-reliance, because it makes one feel incompetent. Also, the discouraging of individual thought is a hindrance to self-reliance as well.
3. Emerson's beliefs of self-reliance ring true through all of these areas of life. Essentially, his idea is that one must trust one's instincts and not allow the opinions of others to influence one's decisions, no matter what.
1. Emerson feels that a person's place in society should be determined upon how they are by themselves. He feels that a person's true self only happens when a person is alone by themselves, and truly see their influences. Emerson sees society as a "joint-stock company", he thinks that every individual puts forth something into society, only hoping to benefit it. He feels that each person should make some contribution to society through being themselves.
ReplyDelete2. The barriers Emerson sees is that, when people are in society they do not act truly like their own selves. He thinks that the only time a person is true is when they are alone. He believes that society is always trying to pressure people to fit into a mold and discouraging in a way individuality. This, then becomes a barrier to self-reliance, making self-reliance more difficult.
3. The beliefs of self-reliance can mostly be put to any way of life, if it be religion, business, or government. A person should trust how they are when they are alone and follow that as a guide for everyday life. It should not matter what the person next to you does, if the opposite is what you would do alone, then that is what you should do then.
1. Emerson sees society as being like a "joint-stock company" because people put something into it, in hopes of getting something out. However, he feels that people should figure out who they are on their own, and not with the pressure of society changing their attitude and opinions.
ReplyDelete2. Emerson feels that society molds people into who they are, and that a person is not truly who they are until they are alone. The pressures of society that people face keep them from truly being self-reliant, and only when they can be the same in society as they are on their own are they self-reliant.
3.Self reliance means that a person can follow their own judgment and values for everything in life including business, religion, etc. It should not matter what other people have done or the decisions they have made, it is simply what an individual feels is right.
1) A person must find their place in society by first discovering themselves. A person must come to understand their own ideas, and learn to stick to their own inclinations despite the pressure that other people and their ideas (society) places upon them.
ReplyDelete2)Two major barriers seem to be the influence of others and the feeling of need to conform in order to please others, as well as the lack of self confidence that is needed for someone to be successful. If someone either is bashing themselves down all the time or being bashed by others they will not be able to have an acceptable amount of self-reliance.
3)Emerson believes his ideas on self reliance reign true over any aspect of life. He believes that people must be able to have self confidence and be able to work with others and not lose their own vision. So be it in business, religion, traveling, art, property ownership or government, Emerson feels that it is most important for people to not lose themselves in the ideas of others and the worldly things. People should believe in themselves.
this is sara Dill by the way.
1. Emerson believed that everyone should hold on to their individuality in society and not let anyone influence who they are. He referred to society as a "joint-stock company", believing that everyone should play their part in society.
ReplyDelete2. One major barrier to self-reliance is society's need to "fit it". The need to be just like everyone else, ignoring each person's individual qualities and faults. Another barrier is the lack of confidence in individual thoughts and the belief that your own thoughts are wrong, while another's are probably right.
3. Essentially, Emerson is saying that self-reliance can be applied to everything. No matter what one is doing, they must be able to believe in and trust themself, even when their beliefs or actions are different from others'.
1. Emerson believes that a person should be independent and find their true identity on their own because that way it does not have any influence of society. They should not change their morals and ideals because of society and stick with their gut feeling. Though he puts down society in a way he also states that it is like a "joint-stock company" in that to get to the top or to be happy you must first put something in to society that way you can get something out of it.
ReplyDelete2. Two major barriers seem to be the influence of society on a persons thoughts and wanting to be what society's "ideal" is. Another would be the desire to fit in and be popular, so much so that people change their own thoughts and morals for pleasure that doesn't last.
3. Basically Emerson's belief in self reliance can be applied to any of the following. Essentially all you have to do is trust in your gut and follow your conscience because ultimatley that will be the best decision for you. All you need to do is trust in yourself and don't let anyone else influence your decision.
1. Emerson sees society as a sort of conditional relationship, a despicable kind of joint-stock company where members must "surrender" their individual liberty and culture in order to secure their livelihood. A person defines their place in society by refusing to conform and adhereing to one's individual constitution. One must maintain the sense of self that one has in solitude, even when the other voices of the world try to cloud that sense of self.
ReplyDelete2. One major barrier to self-reliance is the universal sense of "virtue" declared by society. An individual must have their own standards of "goodness" and virtue. Another barrier is a lack of trust in oneself, or a sense of shame in "that divine idea which each of us represents." Individuals must be willing to recognize the value of one single person, rather than trying to homogenize society into a group of people with the same values.
3. The idea of self-reliance is applicable to any aspect of life in which an individual must hold up an idea or have an opinion. In the fields of business, religion, art, etc., where people usually split into groups depending on their ideals, it is important to maintain one's own sense of self, rather than just follow the creed of a particular group.
1. A person can only define his/her place in society by not conforming to society (and thus, employing "self-reliance"). Society, to Emerson, is European culture from which American scholars draw, up to this point in history. He wishes for individual scholars, as well as the collective minds of America, to create their own place in the intellectual world through self-determination.
ReplyDelete2. Society is responsible for the barriers to self-reliance. Conformity to society in virtue, which is holding true to individual beliefs, and conformity to society in thought because people broadcast your own thought through the lens of what has already been decided by society.
3. Self-reliance is just as it is called. In any and all schools of thought, expression, and in all action, self-reliance means pursuing one's own beliefs as far as they will carry them, because that is how society progresses.
I remember reading about society. Emerson claims that as long as one thinks highly of them self, and trust them self enough to have faith in their own decisions, then they are to be ranked among the greatest men in history. Are there, then, different rankings in society? If so, they are not based of wealth or power, but by intellectual capacity.
ReplyDeleteSadly, I think my biggest enemy for self reliance must be myself. It is often hard to trust my own decisions, and have confidence in what they might bring for me in the future. Individualism plays a key role in the concept of self reliance; and when one is standing amongst a crowd, it is difficult to retain a sense of self identity. But Emerson states that the wiser man will remain solitary within the crowd.
Throughout our lives, there will be chances to conform, and chances to stick out like a swollen sore thumb. Emerson would probably urge us to be the big red thumb in most cases, as long as it is parallel to the idea of “self-reliance.” Emerson himself went against the age-old tradition of a strict religious principle in New England, claiming the power of nature to be in harmony with the human spirit rather than controlled by the wrath of God. For other aspects of society, more cultural angles that is, it would also seem practical to follow one’s self conscious through their activities: this is how new movements of art (Realism, Impressionism,) were created in the first place! They are all products of self reliance.
A person is defined by their place in society according to their conformity or lack thereof, and how free thinking/willed they are.
ReplyDeleteThe major barriers are having the will to not conform and being true to ones self, and the other is in oneself.
Self-reliance in the world of business or religion or art, would mean that being true to ones passion, an not what would make money or be considered "acceptable."
1. A person defines their own place in society based on their needs and goals, not those of society. This is self-reliance in its entirety. Society's needs are superficial compared to your own. Society can be many things, in the mind of Emerson, from a small town to am entire nation. Society is anything that thinks collectively and not individualistically. Society is in essence the anti-individual.
ReplyDelete2. It's hard to do this without the passage...
ReplyDeleteTwo obstacles to self-reliance would be the ease and security of conformity and the pressures of society to conform. The easiest path is one of least resistance, the nail that sticks out is beaten down. Acting individually can bring condemnation and anger, and there is a certain security of a pack mentality. You are not putting yourself out there, you are well within your comfort zone. Individuality is frightening because you are putting yourself out there completely.
1. Emerson looks upon society as almost a negative. In his eyes, society is almost a drain on people and individuals are most productive as being left alone and letting them find their own path in life. Furthermore he believes that in a community individuals should have society function as a joint - stock company, allowing everyone to put in their pay to allow them to get out their own personal gain.
ReplyDelete2. Emerson thought that when an individual is left alone so as to develop under his or her own thoughts then they are the must successful. Self- reliance is thought to be difficult to maintain because it is difficult to maintain ones own existance within a crowd.
3. Emersonian beliefs can pose problems for many people as it is quite hard to rely solely on their own beliefs without being influenced by those around you. Relying on oneself is difficult as there are always outside factors acting as an influencing force.
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ReplyDelete1. Emerson tells us that in order to define our place in society, we must be able to separate ourselves. He believes that our enemy is conformity and society is what makes or breaks our independence.
ReplyDelete2. The two major barriers are conformity and the way you are influenced by others. Once these barriers are passed, self-reliance is more visible. "What I must do, is all that concerns me, not what the people think."
3. Emerson thinks that self-reliance persists throughout all parts of life, but he mentions that, "Travelling is a fool's paradise".
And he also says that consistency is foolish, so why would self-reliance be consistent in all aspects of life?
A person should define their place in society by staying true to themselves rather than conforming or relying on others. Emerson describes society as being a "joint-stock company" that doesn't particularly care about the individuals, but rather the whole. It is simply a "conspiracy" that forces people to lose their sense of self.
ReplyDeleteThe major barriers of self-reliance are the stigmas associated with breaking out of common boundaries and knowing how one personally defines their self-reliance, because they may be unsure of their own opinions. This can relate to egotism because of how it almost demands that a person form and believe in their own opinions.
Self-reliance can alter how one views religion, among other things, because a person may believe in something that is different from the norm. Plus, religion and art usually have a set list of beliefs, which directly contradicts the notion that people should rely on their own opinions rather than those of others.
3. Oh boy.
ReplyDeleteIn the business world, individuality is the definition of capitalism and is revered above all else. Small business owners are admired, rags-to-riches stories are told and retold.
Religiously, self-reliance may be a threat. Organized religion is based upon followers being told what to believe, not thinking about it themselves.
Modern art embraces self-reliance, with Ezra Pound famously saying, "Make it New", while traditional art may have resisted people like Debussy and Picasso breaking the mold.
Meredith Gaylor
ReplyDelete1. Emerson says that one should not define themselves in society, they should be themselves, but with courage. He uses the example of a hermit as an example of someone who has no courage, and says you should not adapt to the expectations in society. He says its more important what you think of yourself that what society thinks.
2. The two major barriers to self-reliance are societal pressures and the judgmental nature of humans, who are far more complex than other animals and therefore have more complex judgments. The "aboriginal self" is a confusing term, does it mean your ancestors or your baby self? either was it refers to a time when you did not have to change your mannerisms and natural ways in order to fit in. Self-reliance requires one to let go of egotism and to stop conforming. you should just be yourself.
3. self-reliance lies in creativity, different ideas that may or may not be accepted by the general public (such as in art and in starting a business, where individually creativity affects your work). Religion and government are both industries that require you to conform. religion pushes the same ideas on a group, government pushes a similar type of laws on everyone.
1. To Emerson, self reliance is the absence of conformity, and be accepted for who you are in a society. by creating this sense, scholars can "think outside the box" and think their own individualistic ideas.
ReplyDelete2. society pressures people to conform, which is easiest to do. when a person chooses to be separate from others, they must go against the grain and work harder to be different, than to be the same.
3. Self reliance is basically when a person is comfortable with who they are , and has their own ideals or opinions, and sticks with them.
1. society is the majority and common thought. to truely define yourself you must break away from society.
ReplyDelete2. there is a natural desire to want to conform and this often hinders self relience. social pressure stops people from relying on their slves.
3. self relience in most imporatn in life. it is very important to be true to your self and not let other opoinions or outside influences stop you.
the devl child quote isn't here but it should be. it was mty favorite and truley expressed how to always listen to yourself no matter what.
Linh Truong
ReplyDelete1.) Society is a joint stock company, everyone puts something in and everyone gets something out of it.Emerson feels that people should be who they are and not worry what society may label them as.
2.)The need to fit in and conform to society to meets its need instead of their own.
The pressure to be alike because anything thats different is wrong.
3.)Self reliance is being able to depend on one's self,the person can create and express their own feelings, ideas,and opinions without others.
1. According to Emerson each person should define his/her place in society by making sure that they are not the same as all of the people around them. Emerson doesn't exactly approve of conforming. He believes that every person should assert their individuality. By society Emerson means a joint-stock company that doesn't care about individuals. He believe that society is concerned only about people as a whole and not each individual person.
ReplyDelete2. The two major barriers to self reliance are the pressures of society and one's own doubt. In order to achieve and assert our own individuality we must trust in ourselves and ignore the opinions of those on the outside. I believe that the trustee is our own conscience because as I previously said in order to become an individual we must first all trust in ourselves.
3. In all of the institutions ( business, religion, art, property ownership and government ) in order to achieve self-reliance we must be creative and while working as a team we must also focus on our own selves. In my opinion I relate this to the term diversity (sounds kind of random, but at my job this is all we talk about) which I define as using your own individual talents to bring out the best in others. In society we must use our individuality in order to successfully work as a team.
1. Emerson believes that each person should discover their own self. He believes that each person should define him or herself in society, and not the other way around. Emerson is very anti-conformist and believes in the value of individualism.
ReplyDelete2. Our surroundings are the barriers to self-reliance. Emerson believes others taint descisions and responses of the individual. The aboriginal self is the pure, raw individual before they are influenced and tainted by the opinions of others. This concept refutes the egotism in self reliance and encourages the idea that it may be the opposite.
3. Self-reliance should apply to everything in life. Emerson believes this idea carries into business, religion, etc. Everything.