Student Question
What is Emerson's definition of intuition in Self-Reliance?
Quick answer:
In "Self-Reliance," Emerson defines intuition as the innate ability to trust oneself and one's inner voice, or "gut feeling." He emphasizes the importance of self-trust, suggesting that individuals should rely on their own instincts and abilities rather than conforming to societal expectations. Emerson argues that society often conspires against individualism, making personal intuition a reliable guide for decision-making and authentic living.
Intuition, one of the traits highly valued by transcendentalists like Emerson, is the idea that a person should “go with his gut,” so to speak. Emerson believed in the importance of trusting oneself above all. A man should trust in himself because
none but he knows what that is which he can do, nor does he know until he has tried.
Instead of worrying about what others are doing or thinking and second-guessing our every move, Emerson believes that we should trust in our own ability to make decisions and follow our hearts. This idea is underscored when he says, “trust thyself: every heart vibrates to that iron string.” If we can trust our own intuition, we can make the best decisions for ourselves without the influence of society, which might not always act in our best interest.
In fact, he says
society everywhere is in conspiracy against the manhood of every one of its members.
Therefore, are own intuition, or the contents of our heart, is the only thing we can truly trust.
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