Ralph Waldo Emerson: Self-Reliance

Flashcards covering key concepts from Ralph Waldo Emerson's 'Self-Reliance' based on lecture notes.

How does Emerson view people 'playing it safe' in social settings for acceptance?

He views it as a 'poor deal' where individuals lose their true self for social acceptance, potentially sacrificing their moral compass.

According to Emerson in 'Self-Reliance' Section 1, what are the consequences of envy and imitation?

Emerson states that 'envy is ignorance; that imitation is suicide.'

What key message does Emerson convey in Section 2 regarding self-trust?

He urges individuals to 'Trust thyself: every heart vibrates to that iron string,' meaning to have faith in one's own instincts and inner voice.

How does Emerson describe society in Section 3 of 'Self-Reliance'?

He describes society as 'a joint-stock company in which the members agree… to surrender the liberty and culture of the eater,' implying a trade of personal freedom for security.

What does Emerson state should be an individual's primary concern in Section 4?

He believes, 'What I must do, is all that concerns me, not what the people think.'

What is Emerson's perspective on changing one's mind?

Emerson views changing one's mind as a part of personal development and evolution, rather than a sign of hypocrisy or lack of growth.

What does Emerson mean by 'A foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of little minds' in Section 5?

He means that blindly sticking to past beliefs simply to appear consistent is an unintelligent and restrictive way to live.

What does Emerson suggest is often true for genuinely original thinkers in Section 6?

He suggests that 'to be great is to be misunderstood,' implying that groundbreaking ideas are often not immediately accepted or comprehended.