Rugged Individualism Emerson

This rifle was cutting edge technology in the 18th century and no well dressed frontiersman wanted to be seen without one.

Rugged individualism emerson.

The concept of self reliance perhaps emerson s most potent and misunderstood concept constructed in the essay self reliance is not the philosophy of rugged individualism nor is it the ideological doctrine of strict libertarianism. Rugged individualism was an unworkable idea from the beginning. Only through personal will could one realize the majesty of god. Emerson s first mention of individualism was not until 1843.

It is clear though that emerson s notion of self reliance was tied to what later would be called individualism emerson s individualism was so radical that it bordered on self deification. Emerson was a minister and he was. Just about any sentence from 4 through 11 could be cited as support. But his writings on individualism speak not only to our highest natures but to our lowest.

If no one challenged the ideas and actions of others society and the lives of individuals would lack diversity and excitement. Overall i agree with emerson s stance on individualism in society. Individualists promote the exercise of one s goals and desires and so value independence and self reliance and advocate that interests of the individual should achieve precedence over the state or a social group while opposing external interference upon one s. Peopled tend to see other people as either individualists or conformists.

Emerson liked to call his essays lay sermons and defrocked or not he was a minister to the end. Self reliance is always a method or an instrument presenting itself in different masks depending on the era. 1 i read the other day some verses written by an eminent painter which were original and not conventional. Individualism in ralph waldo emerson s self reliance a close reading guide from america in class 5 why according to emerson do we value moses plato and milton.

Thus far emerson has said that we should seek truth by looking into our own hearts and that we like. As he left for the west in his coonskin cap the typical pioneer was carrying a kentucky rifle in the crook of his arm. If a person doesn t fall in with the in crowd then you are considered to be weird or un cool. Individualism is the moral stance political philosophy ideology and social outlook that emphasizes the moral worth of the individual.

Emerson believes that conforming to opinions upheld by people and society as a whole is easier than standing alone or resisting societal constraints.