Self-Reliance by Ralph Waldo Emerson

Self-Reliance by Ralph Waldo Emerson

Conformity vs. individualism: Relationship between society and the individual in Ralph Waldo Emerson's "Self-reliance"

In his collection of discourses entitled "Essays," the philosopher and writer Ralph Waldo Emerson elucidates on his thoughts concerning human society, centering his discussions on the relationship between individual and society. This central focus is reflected in one of his essays, "Self-reliance." In this essay, Emerson discusses the loss of humankind's pursuit for individualism, and has instead succumbed to the pressure of conforming to society in order to be recognized and acknowledged. His discussion in "Self-reliance" illustrates how conformity is not only detrimental to an individual's personal development, but it also adversely affects the progress of human society towards a better and more improved civilization.

What resounds from Emerson's arguments in his essay is his belief that in order to promote social progress in human society, people should learn to assert their individuality. It is only by subsisting to individualism that people will realize their potentials and limitations in life, a path towards recognition of one's self -- that is, self-realization. In the texts that follow, the issues of nonconformity and individualism are discussed thoroughly with references to Emerson's essay. The discussion illustrates how Emerson proves his point and convinces his readers that indeed, subsistence to individualism is the path towards social progress.

Emerson's argument in the essay is composed of three points. The first point is his analysis and illustration of the state of human society that led him to argue for individualism through the principle of self-reliance. That is, he analyzed the relationship between the individual and society and vice-versa. He considers humans in the 19th century as conformists; this creates a problem for society in general. He states that, "[t]rust thyself...Great men have always done so, and confided themselves childlike to the genius of their age, betraying their perception that the absolutely trustworthy was seated at their heart, working through their hands, predominating in all their being." He refers to individuals who have made significant contribution to human civilization; he argues that what made human civilization progress is the fact that these "great men" have realized their aspirations in life by working on it to make these aspirations happen, and not just dream about them. His arguments show the principle of individualism -- that is, the pursuit of one's interests. Realizing one's dreams, according to Emerson, is the key towards success, and these dreams can only be realized if the individual pursues to make them happen and become a reality. It is evident that for the essayist, the individual should first develop himself/herself in order to create significant contributions and influence in his/her society.

Another point that Emerson presents in his essay is his critique of people's conformity to social norms and rules. For him, conformity marks the death of progress in human society because it hinders individuals to explore and discover their true 'selves,' and hone their skills and knowledge that they consider necessary for their personal development. He further explains why society condones non-conformity or the pursuit of one's self-interest: "For nonconformity the world whips you with its displeasure...The by-standers look askance on him in the public street or in the friend's parlour...but the sour faces of the multitude, like their sweet faces, have no deep cause, but are put on and off as the wind blows and a newspaper directs..." By stating this in "Self-reliance," Emerson assures his readers that the pursuit of individualism is anything but wrong; it furthers improvement of one's self and reflects society's lack of understanding of the value that a person puts to his/her individuality. These assertions correspond to Emerson's earlier arguments, rationalizing on the essence of individualism to both the individual and society.