Here are two examples from my life and from society that support and refute Emerson's opinion on conformity:
**Example that supports Emerson's opinion:**
When I was in high school, I was a bit of a loner. I didn't really fit in with the popular crowd, and I often felt like I was being judged for being different. However, I eventually realized that I didn't need to conform to the expectations of others in order to be happy. I started to embrace my individuality, and I found that I was much happier when I was being myself.
This experience supports Emerson's opinion that conformity can be stifling and can prevent people from being their true selves. When we conform to the expectations of others, we are essentially giving up our own personal freedom. We are letting others define who we are, rather than defining ourselves.
**Example that refutes Emerson's opinion:**
In some cases, conformity can be beneficial. For example, in the workplace, it is often necessary to conform to certain dress codes or work policies. This can help to create a sense of order and uniformity, which can be beneficial for productivity.
Additionally, conformity can sometimes be a way of showing respect for others. For example, if we are visiting a foreign country, it is often considered polite to conform to the local customs. This shows that we are respecting the culture of the people we are visiting.
In these cases, conformity can be seen as a positive thing. It can help to create a sense of order and respect, which can be beneficial for society as a whole.
Ultimately, whether or not conformity is a good thing depends on the specific situation. In some cases, it can be stifling and prevent people from being their true selves. However, in other cases, it can be beneficial and help to create a sense of order and respect.