Final answer:
The tone of Emerson's 'Self Reliance' is best described as inspiring, reflecting his advocacy for self-reliance and individualism, which have deeply influenced American thought and values.
Step-by-step explanation:
The tone of the excerpt from "Self Reliance" by Ralph Waldo Emerson might best be described as inspiring. Emerson's essay encourages readers to trust their own instincts and intellectual capacities—it's a call to self-improvement and individualism over conformity. His message conveys a sense of empowerment and motivation to the reader to be true to oneself, which aligns with the characteristics of an inspiring tone rather than cynical, humorous, or mournful.
Emerson’s ideas have significantly influenced American society, particularly through his focus on individualism, self-reliance, and personal freedom. His essays challenged the status quo and inspired readers to think independently. This engagement with self and nature, alongside advocating for transparency of spirit, indeed planted the seeds for future writers and thinkers who valued autonomy and originality over conformity and traditional societal expectations.