4. Introduction of Writer
1
● Born :- 25 May 1803, Baston, U.S.
● Died :- 27 April 1882, Concord, U.S.
● He was a American lecturer, Poet,
and Essayist and the leading
exponent of New England
Transcendentalism.
● Emerson graduated from Harvard
University and ordained a Unitarian
minister in 1829
5. ● He believed in individualism, non-conformity, and the need
for harmony between man and nature.
● He known as pioneer of Transcendentalism in America
● His first book, “Nature (1836)”, influenced by a range of
idealistic philosophies, confirmed his future as a prose writer
establishing him as the center of the Transcendental
Movement.
● Contributed to the Transcendentalists' magazine, The Dial,
serving as editor from 1842-1844.
6. ● He is famous for his two major collection of essays
1). First series of Essays (1841)
2). Second series of Essays (1844)
● Self Reliance is his most famous collection of essays.
These essays were gathered from his journals and lectures
and covered a period of years.
7. "Our greatest glory is not
in never failing, but in
rising up every time we
fail.”
— Ralph Waldo Emerson
8. Title Significance
2
● The title self Reliance is significant in
conveying the central message of the
essay by Ralph Waldo Emerson.
● The essay argues that people should
trust in their own instincts and
intuition, rather than conforming to
the expectations of society.
9. ● The title ' self Reliance ' captures
the idea that each person should
rely on their own inner guidance
and intuition to live a fulfilling
life.
● Self reliance is the ability to do
things and make decision by
your, instead of relying on
others.
● According to Emerson self
Reliance is key to living a
fulfilling and authentic life.
10. Key Points
3
1).Trust in oneself
● Emerson argues that people should trust their own instincts and intuition, rather
than relying on external authority or conformity to society. He believes that people
have a Divine spark within them that can guide them toward their own unique path
in life.
● Every heart vibrates to that iron string. Accept the place the divine providence has
found for you, the society of your contemporaries, the connection of events. Great
men have always done so, and confided themselves childlike to the genius of their
age, betraying their perception that the absolutely trustworthy was seated at their
heart, working through their hands, predominating in all their being. And we are
now men, and must accept in the highest mind the same transcendent destiny; and
not minors and invalids in a protected corner, not cowards fleeing before a
revolution, but guides, redeemers, and benefactors, obeying the Almighty effort,
and advancing on Chaos and the Dark.
11. 2).Individualism
● Emerson's "Self-Reliance" delves into the essence of individualism, urging
individuals to trust their instincts over societal expectations. He champions
true independence, encouraging the courage to be oneself, even if it means
diverging from conventional norms. Emerson emphasizes the importance
of self-trust and pursuing a distinctive life path, inspiring readers to break
free from conformity. This enduring call for self-reliance serves as a
powerful reminder to embrace individuality and resist societal pressures
that might hinder personal expression.
● Emerson says in 'Self-Reliance' that it's important not to just follow what
everyone else is doing. He thinks conforming to society's expectations stops
us from being true to ourselves. Emerson wants us to be independent
thinkers and do our own thing, going against the crowd if needed.
3).Nonconformity
12. ● Emerson believes that self trust is essential to self reliance. He
argues that people should not be swayed by the options of
others and should have the courage to follow their own inner
guidance.
4). Self Trust
5). Self Expression
● Emerson believe that each person is unique, and we should not just
follow what everyone else is doing .
● He encourage us t,o trust our own feelings and ideas , even if they are
different from what everyone else think .
● According to Emerson , expressing yourself is showing like World your
true colours and not being afraid to be unique and different.
13. 6). Spiritualism & Nature
● Emerson's "Self-Reliance" explores the transcendentalist
philosophy, emphasizing individual intuition and independence
● Nature and Spiritualism play pivotal roles in shaping Emerson's
ideas on self reliance
● Spiritualism
● Inner Divinity
● Transcendental Connection
● Intuition and Spirituality
● Nature
● Nature as a Source of Truth
● Nature as a Teacher
● Self Discovery in Nature
14. Themes of Essay
4
● Transcendentalism
● The Unity of nature
● The importance of self-Reliance
● The limits of science
15. Conclusion
5
● In the conclusion of "Self-Reliance" by Ralph Waldo Emerson,
the author emphasizes the importance of individuality and
nonconformity. He encourages readers to trust their intuition,
embrace their uniqueness, and not be swayed by societal
expectations.
● Emerson advocates for self-trust and the pursuit of one's own
path, asserting that true greatness comes from expressing one's
authentic self rather than conforming to conventional norms.
The conclusion resonates with a call to independence, urging
individuals to rely on their own judgment and inner
convictions, fostering a sense of self-reliance that leads to
personal fulfillment and genuine success.
16. To be yourself in a world that is
constantly trying to make you
something else is the greatest
accomplishment.
— Ralph Waldo Emerson
17. References
6
● Britannica, The Editors of Encyclopaedia. "Ralph Waldo
Emerson". Encyclopedia Britannica, 26 Dec. 2023,
https://www.britannica.com/biography/Ralph-Waldo-
Emerson. Accessed 15 January 2024.
● Emerson , Ralph Waldo. Self Reliance . Dover Publications ,
1994. ISBN:10, 0486277909
