Self-Reliance And Transcendentalism

Ralph Waldo Emerson's works "Self-Reliance” and Nature esteem transcendentalism as a romantic, individualistic philosophy of life in hopes of establishing contemporary concepts in society which reject traditional institutions and customs. Emerson’s thoughts are generally based on inward reflection, in which the capabilities of one’s soul and intuition are fundamental. He believes that a rejuvenated sense of personal inspiration can overpower the dogmatic constructs society imposes on its members. Emerson stresses the potential for genius and creativity in all people through the depth of philosophic interest in nature and in oneself, allowing people to find self-truth or their purpose. He further expounds upon this concept of the pursuit of
Emerson counsels the self-reliant to keep their focus on the present. “Man postpones or remembers,” (Self-Reliance 541) he explains. “He does not live in the present, but with reverted eye laments the past, or, heedless of the riches that surround him, stands on tiptoe to foresee the future” (Self-Reliance 541). One who lingers in the past or worries about the future wastes one’s life in regret while another who looks to the future misses today's opportunities and pleasures. It is Emerson’s confidence in the present that leads him to establish that consistency is foolish. That a certain belief or course of action was correct, useful, or best in the past does not guarantee that it remains so in the present. Conversely, to leave behind a belief or a way of doing things does not mean that it was not useful at the time or that one was wrong to have pursued it, but it no longer applies. He refers to a rose’s ability to just grow, no matter what may happen in the future and what had happened in the past. The rose simply does what it is supposed to do, and does not let its goal out of sight by becoming distracted with mere possibilities or previous occurrences whose effects cannot be altered. The ability to live in the moment ensures that an individual uses the potential of every moment to its fullest, ultimately creating a genuine purpose for said individual to work towards and
Emerson’s perception of solitude suggests that one opens themselves to the exterior influences of nature to gain insight whereas his theory of isolation contends that people use civilization as a standard from which they must deviate. If the individual is able to progress, society will do so automatically. Therefore people must trust their own characters and way of life. Isolation also combats the notion that all people are obliged to acquiesce to societal conformities that are ultimately detrimental to both individual and communal well-being. The “norm” is not always right, society regresses instead of progresses as people refuse to change what has been, in fear of being different. Solitude results in personal acceptance to where they are in life as people open themselves to the sublime or powers they cannot compete with, imposing a sense of humility and therefore a realistic outlook to life and one’s own potential. Consequently, nature along with the powers of the human mind embodies true happiness and