Emerson believes that people don't possess the individualistic quality. Everyone is too focused on the actions and opinions of everyone else, and should take a more personal stance for once. We mimic people too much because we believe that we will benefit if we're the same as the majority. We are all individuals and have our own opinions, and we should embrace them!
Emerson also believes that people are multiform, and therefore have trouble uniting as one society. However, he explains how deep down everyone has a background of unity, and really want to unite as one. This is another reason why some people try to copy others. We figure that if we are all the same, we will be united. However, this is not the case, because our opinions and beliefs get in the way. We have a universal desire to believe, and because of this strong impulse, we yearn to move forward. We crave to be able to waltz up the stairs, and get closer and closer to our dreams.
People gain intelligence and knowledge through what they experience. They gain valuable life skills by actually witnessing events first hand. If society were only to learn out of a textbook, everyone would be boring and completely one-sided. Our experiences help to shape our clay of identity'. Instead of hiding from horrible experiences, we should try to learn from them, and incorporate the morals into our daily lives.
Ralph Waldo Emerson's writing style is very deep and profound, and answered the question of what the definition of experience is. Everyone should live life by being themselves and not by mimicking others. You should be true to yourself, and embrace your own opinions. It's important that you experience life and regardless if the outcome is negative or positive, learn from it. After all, there is no manual on how to live life and you have to learn it on your own!
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