Emerson argues that only when one can separate oneself from society and its influences will one’s potential be achieved. Emerson states, “Society everywhere is in conspiracy against the manhood of every one of its members” (21). This quote is demonstrating Emerson’s belief that society corrupts the individual inside each member of society and erases it until there are no individuals, but one society in which everyone is the same. Emerson uses the phrase “Society everywhere is in conspiracy” to invoke a fearful and darker image of society to make it seem more sinister and not for the people as promised. This quote illustrates how biased Emerson was against society and the negative impact society has on the individual according to Emerson. This
