Self-Reliance Group

Question:

littlepie2
littlepie2
Student
High School - 11th Grade

What is one of the philosophies in Self-Reliance?

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Posted by littlepie2 on Sunday December 16, 2007 at 2:10 PM and tagged with philosophy, self reliance, self-reliance, themes.

Answers:


  1. renelane Teacher
    High School - 11th Grade

    eNotes Editor

    The need and purpose of individualism in society is one of the philosophies that Emerson discusses. Emerson believes that people have been given a uniqueness by God and it should be embraced. There is value and purpose in individual thought, ideas, behaviors, and actions that are meant to be exercised. Emerson believes that to fulfill each person's purpose, they must act on their individuality. Happiness can only be found in doing so, as well. By being an individual, is to accept one's destiny and be in step with God.

    Sources:
    http://www.enotes.com/self-reliance/themes

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    Posted by renelane on Sunday December 16, 2007 at 4:05 PM


  2. luannw Teacher
    High School - 11th Grade

    eNotes Editor

    One of Emerson's philosophies is that of the "Over-soul" which is his belief that everyone is unique and has an essential spark that the individual must find.  Another way of looking at it is to view the idea as the world is one big jigsaw puzzle.  Everyone is a piece of that puzzle, each one different, but each one necessary in order for the picture to be complete.  Also, each person has to work together to complete the picture.

    Sources:
    http://www.enotes.com/self-reliance/

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    Posted by luannw on Sunday December 16, 2007 at 4:06 PM


  3. sullymonster Teacher
    Community / Jr. College

    eNotes Editor

    Another theory is originality, which is tied to non-conformity.  Emerson makes a strong appeal for people to challenge beliefs and to avoid mimicking others.  Instead, he wants humans to live to their potential by creating their own, completely original, ideas.  Emerson believes this in the only way to be true to yourself:

    ‘‘Insist on yourself...Never imitate.’’

    In explaining his ideas on originality, he speaks against education, suggesting that too much education can cause conformity in humans - in other words, teach them to all think alike about topics, rather than develop their own belief structure.

    Sources:
    http://www.enotes.com/self-reliance/themes

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    Posted by sullymonster on Sunday December 16, 2007 at 6:59 PM