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Essay Notes 05/12/2008 12:30:00

Quotes

~ Responsibility

That though the wide universe is full of good, no kernel of nourishing

corn can come to him but through his toil bestowed on that plot of 

ground which is given to him to till. (Emerson 1)= Nothing is given to

you, you have to work for everything you want and need in life.

~ Independent

Trust thyself; Great men have always done so and confided

themselves = America is “United”, this quote tells you to trust and

confide to your self 

~ Growing

Speak what you think now in hard words, and tomorrow speak what

tomorrow thinks in hard words again, though it contradict everything

you said today (Emerson 2)= The world changes everyday so be sure

to flow with it.

Quote -

P ~ 1. One characteristic Emerson points out in the beginning of the

essay is Responsibility.

  ~ 2. Emerson also states that most people should be independent

~ 3. A aspect overlooked by most people is the growing

characteristic of America

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Self-Reliance Essay

By Wayne Matthews 05/12/2008 12:30:00

Ralph Waldo Emerson wrote an essay about self-reliance. In that essay

Emerson wrote things that link up with characteristics of the American soul.

Some of those characteristics are since of Responsibility, how the American

soul is intelligent and how America is still growing.

One characteristic Emerson points out in the beginning of the essay is

Responsibility. Emerson wrote “That though the wide universe is full of 

good, no kernel of nourishing corn can come to him but through his

toil bestowed on that plot of ground which is given to him to till.” 

(Emerson, 209) This basically means that nothing is given; some

amount of work is required for everything you want and need in life. It

can also mean that everyone is responsible for their life and what

becomes of it. There is another quote by Emerson that applies to the

selflessness of the American soul which can be filed under

responsibility as well. “we are now men, and must accept in the

highest mind the same transcendent destiny; and not minors and

invalids in a protected corner, not cowards fleeing before a revolution,

but guides, redeemers, and benefactors, obeying the Almighty effort,

and advancing on Chaos and the Dark….” (Emerson, 210) This means

that it is our responsibility to help others in need and to do our part to

make the world a better place.

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Another characteristic of the American soul its intelligence. He says

 “Trust thyself; Great men have always done so and confided

themselves” (Emerson, 210) This quote says that no one should ever

rely on someone else to get something done for them. Also to never

doubt yourself, stand for what you believe in. Emerson says that

 “Nothing is at last sacred but the integrity of your own mind. Absolve

you to yourself, and you shall have the suffrage of the world….

” (Emerson, 210) This quote warns you about trashing your own ideas

and embracing the worlds. If you accept everything that world thinks

and feels, you lose yourself and what you think and feel. There is

another quote by Emerson that says “A man is relieved and gay when

he has put his heart into his work and done his best;” (Emerson, 209)

Emerson is saying that everyone should set a goal for their selves andput everything they have into obtaining that goal.

An aspect overlooked by most people is the growing characteristic of 

America. Emerson said “Speak what you think now in hard words, and

tomorrow speak what tomorrow thinks in hard words again, though it

contradict everything you said today.” (Emerson, 210) This means that

the world changes every day, and that new ideas and new ways to look

at life are spring up every second. Emerson says “A foolish consistency

is the hobgoblin of little minds, adored by little statesmen and

philosophers and divines. With consistency a great soul has simply

nothing to do. He may as well concern himself with his shadow on the

wall.” (Emerson, 210) This quote states that consistency is pointless

because the things you see and hear now are most likely to change

later. If you constantly think the same way, you might as well converse

with yourself because the world has moved on to new vistas, and newideas.

In conclusion, Emerson mentioned many things relating to the

American soul.