Self Reliance
By Ralph Waldo Emerson
- Release Date: 2014-03-22
- Genre: Philosophy
Description
"A foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of little minds, adored by little statesmen and philosophers and divines."
Here is a relic from America’s foremost teacher Ralph Waldo Emerson.
Self Reliance is a must-read for anyone who wishes to grow a “backbone”.
Reviews
The only book you need to read
5By playerhater12345This will change your life.Loved it
5By FleeboFleeboGreat bookA Call for Introspection
5By yuryanheIn his book, Self-Reliance, Emerson expressed his strong support of individualism. Independence is what sets a man free. From his point of view, man should not resort on other man, external materials, government, or simply anything external than themselves. They should rely on their hardwork, their ambition, and valor. He condemns imitation on predecessors as well as the advancement on science and technology, as he believes are the causes that debilitate men. He claims that as the advancement of the society achieves anything new, some old ability or skills of men are diminished. From my point of view, I support the idea of Emerson that man should always look introspectively to examine themselves so to check on their wrong doings. Moreover, Individualism promotes independent and critical thinking skills of man, and it constantly pushes men to enhance their own strength and abilities. Although human beings are social creatures, social problems such as heated emotions, extreme actions, and irrationality are the results of various social groups. Study also shows that men sometimes even prioritize fitting in than being right. Thus, individualism or independence is a crucial part of a man’s life. However, I disagree with some ideas of Emerson in this book of his. Although he gave various examples to prove his point on the ability and achievements of one man, resort to others for cooperation and teamwork definitely has certain value. While people remembered Columbus for his venture on the discovery of the new world, he certainly did not do it alone. Teamwork should be just as important as individualism. Global production, supply chain, and trade enriched life of many. Collaboration is required within alliance. Therefore, it is a question to kind good balance between working with others while not loosing oneself. While following principles and guidelines is essential for one to differentiate right from wrong, exchange of information allow us to see viewpoints of others so that we can gain a more objective sense of the world. Self Reliance by Emerson is written about 40 years after the publication of the Declaration of Independence. Having that in mind, it is easy to understand why Emerson wrote this piece putting individualism and nonconformity at such a high priority. It is not only a call for introspection, but a call for American people in his age to achieve true independence from its European predecessor so to establish a new world.Self Reliance
4By writer of pulp fictionExcellent read.Good read
5By cjnichollSkip this book if you can’t read shakespearien type language. It uses english in a way comparable to old english. Not the easiest read for someone in the 21st century. The content of the book is good, instructing man to not depend on things outside of himself to be one thing or another. There were a few parts I felt were a little over the top in being self-involved, where it seemed liked the author had little remorse for others. If you can practice self reliance and remain a positive force on others, than this will surely add to your life. It’s worth a read, and I would overall agree with the author in the importance of striving towards self reliance. My favorite quotes from the book: “There is a time in every man’s education when he arrives at the conviction that, envy is ignorance; that, imitation is suicide; that, he must take himself for better, for worse, as his portion.” (p. 3) “God will not have his work made manifest by cowards.” (p. 4) “It is easy in the world to live after the world’s opinion; It is easy in solitude to live after our own; but the great man is he who in the midst of the crowd keeps with perfect sweetness; the independence of solitude.” (p. 17) “Nature is not slow to equip us in the prison-uniform of the party to which we adhere.” (p. 20) To live in a “new day” everyday is to not let your memory bind you. (p.23) “all history resolves itself very easily into the biography of a few stout and earnest persons.” (p. 32) “But the man in the street, finding no worth in himself which corresponds to the force which built a tower or sculptured a marble god, feels poor when he looks on these.” (p. 33) “We first share the life by which things exist, and afterwards see them as appearances in nature, and forget that we have shared their cause.” (p. 38) “All men plume themselves on the improvement of society, and no man improves.” (p. 80) “They measure their esteem of each other by what each has, and not by what each is.” (p. 87)Good book
3By seek up 1Good bookFree for a reason…
1By G_Baby52There’s a reason why this book is free and the more time and effort I put into the book the more I was left dissatisfied. The author has no sense of course when writing sentences and to even begin to explain what is being conveyed is baffling….Amazing
5By DEE 1816Profound thoughts from a profound man!Thought provoking
4By pvrmgrThe entire book made you think, compare and contrast, analyze and debate within yourselfReassuring words
5By TimiOdunEssential for lifeExcellent essay for modern people
5By Tlinscomb 8922Very relevant read for all of us in this time where we are afraid to have our own thoughts unless someone else has already voiced them.Blahblahblah
3By M.J. StaffordI see what he is getting at, but I find his grammar stilted, antiquated and hard to follow.trash
1By dylan2869waste of time. write like a normal human in normal english pleaseSimple and Effective
5By shrimpin&simpinI’m I teenager about to go to college and I think everyone my age should read this book. It’s short it’s message is clear despite being in old English and it really relates to a proper creed to live by.Self Reliance
3By The KD1Wonderful read. However, I may not agree with everything but It definitely broadened my perspective. Bookmarks for days. I advise any man or women with strong sense of virtue to read; as well as those with little to none.Very very spot on
5By Thelive1TyesSonInspiring and very intellectualOutstanding
5By Holm12345This is a well written book. It provides alternate perspectives and offers thought out ideas. I would recommend this book to anyone.Amazing
5By amychiplinNever gets oldInsightful
5By Madame BrittnieeI love it. A great read and it stirs up deep thinking. Highly recommend it, if your seeking a new way of thinking.
