Ralph Waldo Emerson’s “Self-Reliance” (1841)
Words: 1002 1616Introduction In 1841, Ralph Waldo Emerson published "Self-Reliance," an essay that would become one of the foundational texts of American individualism and transcendentalism. Urging readers to trust their inner voice over external pressures, Emerson crafts a passionate argument for authenticity, independence, and the sacredness of personal intuition. In this essay, I will explore the main ideas of "Self-Reliance," its historical context, its philosophical underpinnings, and its enduring relevance today. Historical and Philosophical Context "Self-Reliance" emerged in a period of profound […]