Self Reliance

Discuss the meaning of the verse preceding the essay.
-It means that people have their own opinions and everyone has the choice to express them. These choices effect their fate.

Looking at the entire essay, what does Emerson mean by self reliance? Summarize the main parts.
-Self reliance means to believe in yourself as an individual and to have the right to your opinion. It also means to have the courage to believe in yourself.

Interpret the first sentence. What does every person realize at some point of his or her education?
-Envy is ignorance.

Interpret the following quote, "The i was placed where one ray shall fall, that it might testify of that particular ray."
-People are supposed to be comfortable with themselves.

What does Emerson mean by the divine idea that each of us represents?
-Everyone is divine in nature and everyone has something to offer with their ideas.

Explain the significance of the iron string. Why do you think Emerson used iron and not silken golden or silver string?
-Iron isn't going to break as the others may. Iron is strong and bonds your trust in yourself.

Define transcendentalism.
-A 19th century idealistic philosophical and social movement that taught that divinity pervades all nature and humanity. It also means to go above and beyond limits.

Interpret this quote; "Society everywhere is in conspiracy against the manhood of everyone of its members."
-People are judgmental to every person in their society.

Explain this quote, "The virtue in most requests in conformidy and self reliance is its aversion.
-People all look to be comfortable. Self reliance is the answer.

Interpret the metaphor, "A foolish consistency is the hob goblin of little minds adored by little statesmen and philosophers and divines."
-People who get results from something tend to stick with it and people with more power take advantage of that.

Discuss the use of the simile, "Words as hard as canon balls."
-Criticism is hard.

"Don't look outside."

By "self reliance", Emerson means the need for individuals to avoid conformidy and false consistency and follow his or her instincts and ideas.

Conformidy means to shape yourself around something.

Each persons voice can be as strong as the great man of history.