My Analysis of Ralph Waldo Emerson’s Essay “Self-Reliance”

“Every man for himself.” Although simple in context, this expression encompasses a rather complicated topic. Throughout the history of America, the debate over whether an individual can survive dependent on his or her own competence has resulted in much controversy and contradiction. When the Puritans separated from England, they were criticized for thinking they could establish their own country. The Puritans, however, overcame adversity and introduced America to the world, one colony at a time. They proved to humanity, that united and with God directing their paths, they could do anything. Early in the nineteenth century, Ralph Waldo Emerson, a respected writer and philosopher, termed this issue as self-reliance. This phrase simply emphasizes the reliance on one’s own efforts, skills and capabilities for survival (Patterson 1).

Emerson was born in Boston on May 25th, 1803. At a young age he and his siblings lost their father and were raised by their single mother. He studied in public schools, boardinghouses, and finally at Harvard he obtained a teaching degree. As a result of his failure to be a successful schoolmaster, and of a great religious experience, Emerson grew in his Christian faith and became a preacher.

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The continuous timelessness of this quote is as much in effect today as it was when the essay was first published. He stresses the importance of depending on one’s self to make proficient decisions and not being afraid of going against society’s norms.

Emerson is recognized for many of the principles and philosophical points emphasized in this work.

Moreover, Emerson also felt that traveling without a legitimate and necessary reason was pointless. Whatever the reason may be, there is no doubt that it is disappointing when things are not done wholeheartedly. In the same manner, we need to take the “zigzag” line, and, eventually, when the time is right, it will all make sense. “This indicates how the dynamics of desire lead to forfeiture of rightful ownership and weakness of power” (Joswick 517). Society, in its inability to see the bigger picture, was against acknowledging the maturing of its members. When a dilemma arises, Emerson saw that it is vital to stop, consider, and evaluate the circumstance alone before making a choice. Although his essay may be difficult to understand, Emerson uses this technique for readers to make their own interpretation of it. What follows is an example of Emerson’s position on prayer: “It is the spirit of God pronouncing his works good…. Emerson believed that prayer was a vital part of life because it was when we communicated with God, and believing that in mediation, that miraculous things could occur. To these conservatives the easiest and most effective way to learn was through memorization and the repetition of facts that had been recorded in the past by generations before them. His reference to suicide creates a powerful link between imitation and losing one’s identity. Many people agree that our instincts are driven by God, and that is why when we make decisions based on it, situations tend to look brighter.

Approximate Word count = 2741
Approximate Pages = 11 (250 words per page double spaced)

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