Viewpoint of "Self Reliance" by Ralph Waldo Emerson
Self- Reliance “What I must do is all that concerns me, not what people think” (Emerson lines 30-31). Ralph Waldo Emerson was the transcendentalist leader in the 1830s which influenced his beliefs in his essay. He uses examples to compose the conclusion that people should follow their own instincts and be an individual. Emerson’s ideas on individualism and self trust in “Self- Reliance,” were influenced by religion and the rise of transcendentalism.
Emerson was influenced by beliefs of different religions during the time of the 1830s. In his essay, Emerson states, “…if I am the Devil’s child, I will live then from the Devil” (Emerson line 26). Basically, he is saying that no matter what his values are, even if they are bad, he will not change them because that is who he is. Everyone should trust their own beliefs because that is what makes them the individual that they are. Emerson’s writing was influenced by religion, by not only believing in Gods views, but by believing in your own. Emerson himself writes “What have I to do with the sacredness of traditions, if I live wholly from within?” (Emerson lines 22-23). He is insisting that he doesn’t need God to know his own beliefs. If your religious views are different than other individuals, you should stay that way because that’s who you are. You should follow your innermost beliefs and not change just because others think differently than you do. Emerson believes that you don’t have to follow any religious traditions because you have your own customs within, which is being an individual.
Ralph Waldo Emerson was influenced by transcendentalism, because at the time he led this movement. As the prominent writer Emerson puts it, “It is easy in the world to live after the world’s opinion; it is easy in solitude to live after our own; but the great man is he who in the midst of the crowd keeps within perfect sweetness the independence of solitude…” (Emerson lines 35-38). In making this comment, Emerson argues
Emerson was influenced by beliefs of different religions during the time of the 1830s. In his essay, Emerson states, “…if I am the Devil’s child, I will live then from the Devil” (Emerson line 26). Basically, he is saying that no matter what his values are, even if they are bad, he will not change them because that is who he is. Everyone should trust their own beliefs because that is what makes them the individual that they are. Emerson’s writing was influenced by religion, by not only believing in Gods views, but by believing in your own. Emerson himself writes “What have I to do with the sacredness of traditions, if I live wholly from within?” (Emerson lines 22-23). He is insisting that he doesn’t need God to know his own beliefs. If your religious views are different than other individuals, you should stay that way because that’s who you are. You should follow your innermost beliefs and not change just because others think differently than you do. Emerson believes that you don’t have to follow any religious traditions because you have your own customs within, which is being an individual.
Ralph Waldo Emerson was influenced by transcendentalism, because at the time he led this movement. As the prominent writer Emerson puts it, “It is easy in the world to live after the world’s opinion; it is easy in solitude to live after our own; but the great man is he who in the midst of the crowd keeps within perfect sweetness the independence of solitude…” (Emerson lines 35-38). In making this comment, Emerson argues