Emerson's Self-Reliance: The Importance Of Nonconformity

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Ralph Waldo Emerson’s essay “Self-Reliance” conveys his belief in the importance of nonconformity, by using his philosophical, religious, social, and ethic beliefs.
Emerson’s view on life was very philosophical. The essay states ,“To believe your own thought, to be believe that what is true for you in your private heart is true for all men ,- that is genius.” This quote represents the philosophical view on transcendentalism, which states that every person has an inborn knowledge or intuition that guides his or her interaction with the world. Emerson strongly felt that people should believe in themselves and their own ideas and values. The time he lived in influenced his ideas and philosophical beliefs. The outstanding message Emerson wanted to bring forth was to think for yourself, take responsibility for your own improvement and for the betterment of society as a whole. …show more content…
As the essay says “We but half express ourselves, and ashamed of that divine idea which each of us represents. It may be safely trusted as proportionate and of good issues, so it be faithfully imparted, but God will not have his work made manifest by cowards.” This quote is Emerson’s religious beliefs. These beliefs are connected by the time Emerson grew up in. Religious freedom is one of the things the Americans fought for during the revolution. So many different beliefs led hundreds into conformity. Emerson felt that most religion didn’t recognize or respect the value of individuality. Emerson felt that the best relationship one can have with God is one in which we search inside ourselves for our connection to the divine, and that God is found inside of us and in nature. True religion Emerson believed is to act in a way that honors yourself and
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