Emerson`s Self-reliance essay and its influence over the centuries

Research Questions
1. In which way did the concept of self-reliance influence the Transcendentalist
movement?
2. What is the relationship between self-reliance, individual and individualism?
3. Is this Emerson`s awe for the Self the root of nowadays selfishness?
4. How non-conformity can be applied without breaking the society`s laws?
5. Is Ralph Waldo Emerson an inspiration for daily living?
6. In which way does Self-reliance harmonize the intellect with the soul?
7. How the individuals` freedom of the mind can influence the evolution of a certain
nation?
8. How self-reliance can be used as an argument in affirming that there is no such
thing like destiny, but we are the only captains of our souls?/
9. Does self-reliance correspond with a higher degree of consciousness?
10. Self-genius - a fact or merely an incentive used by Emerson in order to motivate
people?

Abstract
Ralph Waldo Emerson is the first who pioneered the transcendentalism movement and the
one who provided certain insights for a better understanding of the human individuality.
The cultural heritage left by him comprises the faith in the future of American thought,
one unchained from the bonds of religious tennets or society rules and the full realization
of human potential. The following project addresses the question of how the essay of
Ralph Waldo Emerson, Self-reliance, transformed the perception of American people
over some concepts like freedom, conformity, spirit and self.
Additionally, this paper presents an exploratory study examining the length to which the
concept of self-reliance is relevant to our modern times. With this goal in mind, the
analysis will expand and will gradually become more particular, tackling step by step
each teaching that the essay presents. In spite of the findings and insights resulted, there
is a question left without a genuine answer. Why many of the societal and personal
barriers which inhibited people from being self-reliant in ninteenth-century still prevent
us from standing on our own feet today?
All things considered, Emerson`s teachings led to an extraordinary shift because he
dared. The philosophy that he developed, that later transformed into a movement, the
Transcendentalism, embodies most of American values that even in our times can be
perceived as available. In my opinion, the greatest lesson Emerson taught as was to be
bold, take a leap of faith and soar like an eagle!

Contents:
1. Individualism
1.1. The Concept of the Individual and Individualism
1.2. Individual as a Microcosm
2. Personal Responsabilities
2.1. Speak Your Latent Values
2.2. Have Confidence In Your Private Thought
2.3. Speak the Truth, No Matter How Inapropriate May Seem
3. Non-Conformity
3.1. Leave the Masks
3.2. Don`t Compromise Your True Self For the Sake of Names and Customs
4. Thrust Thyself!
4.1. The External Influences
4.1.1. Society
4.1.2. Religion
4.1.3. Family
4.1.4. History
4.2. The Self-contained Genius
4.2.1. The Dilemma of Genius: Is Inherent or Is Something that Can Be
Developed?
4.3. The Value of Self-worth

CHAPTER ONE
1.0 Introduction
Ralph Waldo Emerson was one of the greatest minds of America`s unique history. He was one of
the most acclaimed figure of 19th century his name being inextricably linked with the
philosophical movement called Transcendentalism. As an influential essayist, Emerson wanted to
trigger within the souls of his contemporaries the idea of self-reliance and the value of the self
in general. He wanted to teach the infinitude of the private man.
The aim of this paper is to examine the Self-reliance essay and its concepts and teachings
which are discussed and some of Emerson`s assertions.
1.1 The Concept of Individualism
In his essay, intittled Self-reliance, Ralph Waldo Emerson tackled a particular issue which had
not been discussed in such a minute way and with such a bold, audacious voice before. Even
the term of individualism it was nonexistent in the dictionaries of that time. Actually, Emerson
did not mention the word individualism, his purpose at that time consisted only in inspiring the
minds of people, not creating new words. Two years after Self-Reliance was published, in
1843, Emerson mentioned the word individualism.
Emerson highlighted the paramount importance of the individual expression.
I must be myself. I cannot break myself any longer for you, or you. (Emerson,
1850:54)
When saying to break myself, Emerson actually refers at the parts of ourselves that we hidden,
discard or disguise in order to fit in a certain pattern, to be accepted and liked by others. This is
deeply rooted in our basic needs of belonging to a group, a class. To be a part of something.
Thus, Emerson is bold enough to speak his inner truth. Later on this paragraph, he stated:
I will seek my own. I do this not selfishly, but humbly and truly. It is alike your interest,
and mine, and all men's, however long we have dwelt in lies, to live in truth. (Emerson,
1850:64)
This particular passage enlightens us with respect to the real purpose of his statement.
Henceforth, the individualism is designed for humble and genuine goals. Expressing one`s
individuality should lead not to self-centeredness. Individualism is made to stop this yoke of
always lying and putting masks.
References list

Emerson, R. W. (1850). Essays, first series. Boston: James Munroe and Company
Kaleb, G. (2002). Emerson and Self-Reliance. Boston: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers
Myerson, J. (2000). A Historical Guide to Ralph Waldo Emerson. New York: University Press
Prnu, O.A., and A. Bdulescu (2011). An Outline of American Native Literature. Braov:
Transilvania University Press
Carbone, S.A. (2010). American Transcendentalism and Analysis of Ralph Waldo Emerson's
"Self-Reliance". Inquiries Journal 2: 1/1
Robinson, David M. (1999). Transcendentalism and its Times. In Porte, J. and S, Morris. (eds.)
The Cambridge Companion to Ralph Waldo Emerson. New York: Cambridge University Press

UNIVERSITATEA TRANSILVANIA DIN BRAOV

FACULTATEA DE LITERE
DEPARTAMENTUL DE LINGVISTIC TEORETIC I
APLICAT

(size: 18 points)

LUCRARE DE DIPLOM
(size: 20 points)

Absolvent
Maria Lupu
(size: 18 points)
Coordonator
Lector universitar dr. Oana-Andreea Prnu
(size: 18 points)

Braov

2017 (size: 18 points)

TRANSILVANIA UNIVERSITY OF BRAOV

FACULTY OF LETTERS
DEPARTMENT OF THEORETICAL AND APPLIED
LINGUISTICS
(size: 18 points)

BA PROJECT
(size: 24 points)

EMERSON`S SELF-RELIANCE ESSAY AND ITS

INFLUENCE OVER THE CENTURIES
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Candidate
Maria Lupu
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Supervisor
Lecturer Oana-Andreea Prnu (Ph.D)
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