Self-Reliance and transcendentalism and how they relate to modern day life

Categories: Ralph Waldo Emerson

Many individuals in our world are frequently attempting to be self-reliant; trying to make it on their own and be original in idea and true to themselves. Much of those people end up conforming and doing what has actually been done in the past. They end up walking down the worn path that many have actually strolled before. However, a popular author called Ralph Waldo Emerson believed that you require to venture off the main course and explore brand-new concepts if you truly wish to be great.

Emerson was among the most well-known examples of a transcendentalist. Transcendentalists were essentially Idealists, but in a more practical sense.

They thought that all people ought to strive to reach their objectives and strive till they reach human perfectibility. During his time duration there was an excellent amount of positive development in America and national identity triggering lots of reforms in social, political, literary, and religious elements of America. Transcendentalists thought that whatever was a reflection of the Divine Soul.

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When you begin to believe about it many individuals in modern life have many transcendentalists like qualities; lots of people try to work to be best and don't stop till they are there.

Emerson produced lots of vibrant and brand-new concepts in his essay Self-Reliance. Among the main idea of his essay was that if an individual wishes to be fantastic, they need to be developed entirely initial concepts and stick to them as revealed when he writes "Else, to-morrow a complete stranger will say with masterly common sense specifically what we have thought and felt all the time, and we shall be forced to take with shame our own viewpoint from another.

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" He said that there was nobody to teach the terrific authors of his period, hence if you desire to be kept in mind for your greatness you need to start your entirely new way of thought.

He writes his popular line, "An absurd consistency is the hobgoblin of little minds, adored be little salesmen and theorists and diviners. With consistency a terrific soul has merely absolutely nothing to do. He might as well concern himself with his shadow on the wall." This is saying that consistency can be a problem. If you strive to be consistent in all things, you live according to a pattern, you are scared that people might look down on you for attempting something new. Emerson's ideas in his essay were essentially those of transcendentalism.

As a typical modern day teen, I find it quiet interesting to look back at how much more self-reliant my peers around me and I have become over all the years. I used to rely on my mother making my lunch and checking my homework, but now it's all up to me. Many people that are near my age try to start their own ways; some try starting a band, shirt company, website or something else completely original. On the other hand, some teens have seemingly become less self-reliant. Many end up conforming, trying to fit in, wearing what everyone else wears and doing what everyone else says is cool.

They will do what ever it takes to fit in with the crowd. Personally, I believe that no one can be one hundred percent self-reliant, or at lease it isn't for the best, there must be a balance. You must come up with your own thoughts and believe in yourself, but you can't survive by yourself. I think to become self-reliant you must get help from others first and learn and be taught how to create something new, but not what. There are many examples of transcendentalism and Emerson's Self Reliance in today's modern day society.

There are examples everywhere you look; in the media, songs, T.V. shows, and many other places. One strong example of transcendental thought is in the song Prisoner of Society by The Living End. The song lines are, "We don't need no one to tell us what to do. Yes were on our own and there's nothing you can do" saying that they are out by themselves and they will not be influenced by what others say, they are making up their original thought. Another example of a transcendental like person is Bill Gates. He took a brand new idea that was never thought of before and become one of the richest most successful men in history.

We use Microsoft products day by day all because of him sticking with original thought. Emerson brought up many points in Self-Reliance that are still extremely valid in today's society, and there are many examples of people who demonstrate these transcendental traits. Many of us struggle to try to reach self-reliance, and others don't much care for it and don't mind staying on the mainstream path. Emerson was a man that believed in original thought and that message was truly brought forth in his essay; we must try to venture of off the main trail and start our own.

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Written by Ethan Brown
Updated: Jan 18, 2024
Keep in mind: this is only a sample!
Updated: Jan 18, 2024
Essay's Scoring Result:
Expert's Assessment
The essay explores the enduring relevance of Emerson's transcendentalist philosophy in contemporary society. It effectively discusses the tension between conformity and self-reliance, drawing parallels between Emerson's ideals and modern experiences. The writer cites relevant examples, such as Bill Gates and a song by The Living End, to support their argument. The essay maintains a clear structure, with coherent sentences and adequate sourcing. However, minor improvements in grammar and expression could enhance overall readability. The essay achieves a commendable exploration of self-reliance in a modern context.
How can you enhance this essay?
The essay effectively explores self-reliance and transcendentalism, but clarity can be enhanced by streamlining sentences and avoiding repetitive phrases. The introduction could be more concise, maintaining focus on Emerson's ideas. Consider providing specific examples of positive development during Emerson's era. In the analysis of modern self-reliance, balance the discussion of conformity and originality more evenly. Additionally, the conclusion might benefit from summarizing key points without repeating the overarching theme. Addressing these aspects would improve coherence and readability, ensuring a more engaging presentation of the essay's insightful exploration.
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This essay's assessment was conducted by:
Eleanor Fitzpatrick
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Self-Reliance and transcendentalism and how they relate to modern day life. (2021, May 07). Retrieved from https://studymoose.com/self-reliance-and-transcendentalism-and-how-they-relate-to-modern-day-life-essay

Self-Reliance and transcendentalism and how they relate to modern day life essay
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