Ralph Waldo Emerson's Aphorism

The amazing thing about Emerson's aphorisms is the fact that the truths he wrote in the past still applies to everyone, including myself, in the present. I especially agree with the aphorism above because I had an experience this past summer that relates to its simplicity. My love for traveling to new places brought my brother and myself to Thailand during our summer vacation, which was a break from home and the stress that comes with it. During our three week trip, we were offered the opportunity, along with 10 other high school students in our group, to make a 4x4 off road trek through jungles and remote villages to a Burmese Refugee Camp. After we arrived in the afternoon, we did small service projects throughout the expansive area. At night,
While talking to these kids, I really noticed how they all had different ideas on what they wanted to do with their lives, but they all had the same purpose. The individualism that Emerson pushes us for was discovered in these students. Unrestricted by a society they are not exposed to, they were able to form their own beliefs and dreams. For example, one student wanted to be a doctor, one wanted to be a police officer, and another wanted to be a president. Growing up in a refugee camp may have the impression to outsiders that people within the camp have a very small chance in the “real” world accompanied naturally with little hope. However, their dreams were bigger than my own. They have successfully recognized their potential and ability and they all plan to use it for good. The students all want to return to their home and make a positive difference, whether that be in their own community or on a national stage. The belief in self power is one essential to Emerson’s truths, and these isolated people who are widely ignored by those outside of their refugee camp plan to impact the world by sharing their power with everyone who they cross paths