Question

What were the big questions of life that Emerson focused on in Self‐Reliance and Nature?

Answer 1

Philosopher Ralph Waldo Emerson argues in this work that society has a negative impact on human development. Self-sufficiency is the state of being able to find one's own self. The capitalist cultures strongly promote this viewpoint. Individual willpower takes precedence over social expectations. He speaks out against the church's regimented ideas, emphasizing individualism once more. His idea of honesty, of being truthful to oneself and others, is equally crucial. Self-reliance and self-sufficiency are ingrained in American society. The challenge is how these ideas might be interpreted now, in the midst of the individualistic problem.

Answer 2

In this book philosopher Ralph Waldo Emerson argues that society has an adverse effect on personal growth. Self sufficiency is the thing that gives one the freedom to discover true self. This notion is greatly supported by the capitalist cultures. Individual will is more important than social expectations. He speaks against uniformed beliefs that the church offers, again putting emphasis on individuality. His notion on honesty is also important, being true to yourself and to others. The American culture is built on self-reliance and self-sufficiency. The question is, how these notions can be percieved today, when we are facing the crisis of individualism.