Emerson VS Hobbes
In Ralph Waldo Emerson's essay "Self-Reliance," the importance of the individual apart from the masses is continually stressed. Emerson clearly states that a human's full potential is only achieved when his or her thoughts and desires are unaffected by the society around them. Though Emerson comments on the guiding qualities of an effective individual, he neglects to discuss how these seemingly selfish endeavors may affect the society as a whole. With the help of Thomas Hobbes's rigid view of the citizen's duty to unquestionably follow laws of society, Emerson's philosophy of the individual will be expanded in hopes of observing its affects on the whole. Emerson's emphasis on the isolation of thoughts and accomplishments as well as a return to innocence in societal actions is potentially detrimental to the cohesion and solidarity of a nation. Hobbes not only believes that the individual's rights are limited in comparison to the society, but he also claims that a human must protect his desires and beliefs from others in direct competition. In his essay "Self-Interest," Hobbes states that "a law is the public conscience," and therefore it is each citizen's duty to abide by these rules des
A philosophy in which each individual man has the ability to hear the voice of god and therefore act on his behalf in any given situation is dangerous. One's own desires are only considered worthy if they are unable to surmount the ideals of all others in competition. The notion that uniqueness is directly related to genius is not supported in Hobbes's work. These set of principals are enforced by fear of punishment under these laws. This theory encourages individuals to isolate themselves from the society that provides for them in hopes of increasing their connection with the divine. Hobbes structure for society is only conducive to a world of chaos. He is contradicting the highly popular view that the government creates the laws to be followed by all, and therefore creates stability. Though Emerson's philosophies directly contradict the notion of a civil and governmentally controlled society, his beliefs are still valid. Human self-discovery and the exploration of individual goals are noble endeavors, but in mass practice threaten the strength of nations. A child's mind "is divided" as well as a "rebel," separate and constantly in contrast with popular belief. A group of people that are encouraged to "act on a whim" may poses originality, but will also lack the structure necessary for stability. Emerson preaches that the inspiration for each individual's genius is some "deep force" that lies within everyman. Emerson accepts that laws are inevitable in any strong state, but he is still amazed that "the world whips you with displeasure" for nonconformity (24). As discussed before, nonconformity and rebellion breach the very contract created between citizen and government. Predictability and consistency are necessary aspects of a well organized and controlled people.
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