Corruption In 'Self-Reliance And Nature'

Through the eyes of a transcendentalist, man is at no fault and can claim a superior lifestyle when free from oppressive institutions. Their beliefs address religion as a stain of corruption on humanity’s purity. Ralph Waldo Emerson’s essays “Self-Reliance” and “Nature” argue the invalid opinion that an individual is more important than religions institutions. Following a God in a conforming maner may seem corrupt from a transcendental perspective, but humanity holds the similar powers of creation and corruption. Implications from Emerson’s essay “Self-Reliance” suggest that humanity is ignorant and a godly figure can guide their childlike innocence. Emerson understands a superior entity’s power and work must not be “made manifest by cowards.” …show more content…
Gratitude at “which the fields and wood minister,” engulfs those with uplifting emotions. The balance of man and nature must be inadequate on either end for one to be superior than the other. Nature bestows the guidance people search by becoming church like in Emerson’s opinion. The enlightenment the church of nature sacrifices, makes it more paramount than a person. An individual may proclaim that they are lovers “of uncontained and immortal beauty” (Emerson). The implications of the statement suggest that the God-like attributes are more appealing than human characteristics. A religious institution follows a God for their otherworldly capabilities. Man cannot be better if the intentions of following a God are not pure. Mankind’s erratic emotion can even cause the conflict of “glad to the brink of fear”(Emerson). The characteristics of man are unpredictable and unstable, while religious institutions have structure and consistency. The ability to provide a safe and stable environment for man proves the superiority of the church. Man, a species that acts on emotions, needs the church to essentially protect them from themselves. Nature’s church like qualities provide an environment that is suitable for