This essay by Ralph Waldo Emerson is really an inspiring one. Emerson urges the reader to be bold and unafraid to voice his inner thoughts to the world at large. Emerson cites Moses, Plato and Milton as examples of men who used non-traditional thinking for their time and were unafraid to voice their own original thoughts and ideas. He suggests that it takes practice for a man to become aware of his thinking and to recognize when he has an original thought.
Emerson states that each person has to produce according to his own ability, without striving to imitate another. Each person is unique in his ability, and each individual creates something only he is capable of producing. The common experiences of humankind have a unique response in each individual. Each person is responsible to strive to his utmost and do his best, no matter what the task. If one slacks off in his labor, no work of genius will result. He counsels the reader to trust himself and to work within the circumstances in which he is been born. He also praises youth and youths' ability to hold fast to their ideals even in the midst of great opposition. Just because children or young people are not as articulate as older people, it does not mean that they have no power. Emerson warns "seniors," or adults, that youth can make adults become unnecessary.
He also believes that one must be a nonconformist in order to be a man. There is no idea that should be considered too accepted to be questioned. Emerson believes that most men are virtuous as a way of feeling less guilty. He thinks it better to live a less virtuous life if it is more sincere. Rather than being concerned about repentance, Emerson would rather just live his life as it unfolds. He does not believe a man's actions are necessarily a good indication of his character. Emerson is confident of his own worth and does not need any other person to tell Emerson he is worthwhile. One should not miss reading this essay.
Emerson states that each person has to produce according to his own ability, without striving to imitate another. Each person is unique in his ability, and each individual creates something only he is capable of producing. The common experiences of humankind have a unique response in each individual. Each person is responsible to strive to his utmost and do his best, no matter what the task. If one slacks off in his labor, no work of genius will result. He counsels the reader to trust himself and to work within the circumstances in which he is been born. He also praises youth and youths' ability to hold fast to their ideals even in the midst of great opposition. Just because children or young people are not as articulate as older people, it does not mean that they have no power. Emerson warns "seniors," or adults, that youth can make adults become unnecessary.
He also believes that one must be a nonconformist in order to be a man. There is no idea that should be considered too accepted to be questioned. Emerson believes that most men are virtuous as a way of feeling less guilty. He thinks it better to live a less virtuous life if it is more sincere. Rather than being concerned about repentance, Emerson would rather just live his life as it unfolds. He does not believe a man's actions are necessarily a good indication of his character. Emerson is confident of his own worth and does not need any other person to tell Emerson he is worthwhile. One should not miss reading this essay.
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