Self-Reliance

Self-Reliance Summary | Paragraphs 1-8 Summary

"Ne te quaesiveris extra" is Latin for "do not look outside yourself." This is the first line of Emerson's essay "Self Reliance." It is a summation of the entire essay, the message that a person should look to him/herself for inspiration, judgment and validation of his or her own thoughts and ideas. Emerson expands upon this saying by offering logical proof and examples to demonstrate why he believes it is best to be self-reliant.

In paragraph 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. Emerson suggests that it takes practice for a man to become aware of his thinking and to recognize when he has an original thought. The next step after the recognition is to voice the thought. Emerson warns the reader that when he fails to express an original idea, he may later see that idea voiced by another, and then he can no longer claim that idea as his own. According to Emerson, the greatest purpose of art is to demonstrate the necessity of expressing one's own ideas lest one see them expressed by someone else and then have to accept the other person as the source of one's own thoughts.

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. Emerson counsels the reader to trust himself and to work within the circumstances in which he is been born. Emerson believes that great men accept their highest destiny and lead in the war to end "Chaos" and the "Dark."

Paragraph four 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.

Emerson believes it is a healthy aspect of human nature that young people are bold to observe and pass judgment on what they observe. Older people, on the other hand, are too concerned about others' opinions to be completely honest and unbiased, especially those adults who have been labeled as wise or thoughtful. Emerson is sorry for the fact that it is only in solitude that many hear their own voice. Once people enter into the world outside themselves, they must sacrifice originality to conformity in order to be accepted members of society. Society dislikes self-reliance.

Emerson 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. However society labels something, each individual must make up his own mind as to whether or not the label is accurate. Emerson cites an example from his own life when as a young person, an elder suggests Emerson quote church doctrine to a friend who asks Emerson a question. Emerson replies that he does not see any reason to fall back upon tradition when he chooses to live out of his own personal convictions. The elder then asks how Emerson knows if Emerson's impulses come from God or Satan. Emerson replies that his beliefs do not seem of Satan, but if they are, then so be it. He will still live by what he personally believes. Right is determined by one's own nature. The only wrong is to go against what is one's own nature. Emerson does not believe it is his responsibility to "rescue" most people, by giving money to drunks or churches or other social and or charitable organizations.

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.