Essay On Emerson's Self Reliance

Well known essayist, lecturer and poet, Ralph Waldo Emerson, in his text, “Self Reliance”, asserts that each individual should avoid conformity and follow his/her own ideologies to achieve a more enriched life. Emerson’s purpose is to impress upon the reader the idea that they should not conform their lives to the ideology of society; rather they should pursue their own individual paths consisting of their own actions and ideas. He utilizes an encouraging tone to express to the readers that it is possible to be ones own man, non-conformed by societal standards. Individuals must learn to accept the lives they are given rather than attempt to mimic the lives of others or else their lives will have no meaning. Emerson commences the except by stating “There is a time in every man’s education when he arrives at the …show more content…
Farther into the excerpt, Emerson creates an abrasive tone stating, “…God will not have his work made manifest by cowards.” He is exerting his frustration about those individuals who prefer to conform to society rather than express their true selves due to societal pressures. Emerson frustration is contrasted with his inspirations for those who decide to live their own lives when expressing “A man is relieved and gay whom he has put his heart into his work and done his best; but what he has said or done otherwise, shall give him no peace.” He utilizes pathos to express the feelings and emotions that a person has when they break away from societal norms and seek their own way in life. Emerson brings his excerpt to an end with an inspirational quote “Nothing can bring you peace but yourself. Nothing can bring you peace but the triumph of principles.” The diction is simple but shows confidence in its delivery to overall support the point that not conforming to society, even though it may easier, can lead to a more enriched