Ralph Waldo Emerson described his vision of a self-reliant individual in Self-Reliance. This man is not bound by social norms and expectations, but instead, refuses them. Emerson argues that an individual is a man who stands alone, against society’s tide, and listens to his heart, ignoring other people’s opinions. Emerson dismisses the inter-personal bonds that bind humanity in families, friends, and nations. According to him, man can only support himself. He will never look to the past for guidance or turn to others. The individual who is true will always follow his path. Emerson sees this ideal individual, but those who follow his advice suffer the consequences. This is true for both individuals and society. Emerson’s top qualities are contrary to human nature and force people into a life of hardship for no apparent reason. Emerson’s argument for individualism is valiant. However, it creates a compelling reason for people to conform.
Emerson states that “Whoso would be a man, must be a rebel” to illustrate the fact that anyone who wants to become genuinely human and individual has to rebel against the social structure. But he doesn’t explain why individualism will suffice to cause society to scorn you. Emerson explains that “Whoever would be man, must also be a rebel” to illustrate the fact that anyone who is serious about becoming a person and a unique individual must rebel. America, a land that is full of promise and diversity, praises the ‘individual,’ but few choose to rebel against society. Emerson says, “For nonconformity… the world whips me with its displeasure”. Emerson says that human beings are social creatures and they naturally seek reassurance and approval from others. Because social status plays a vital role in the physiological and mental health of each person, Emerson condemns everyone to a life filled with unhappiness and misery. Nonconformity has obvious disadvantages, as people are not fond of those who don’t fit in with society. However, the benefits of nonconformity may not be so apparent. Emerson argues that a man is stronger when he stands alone and rejects all outside support. Emerson’s isolated and idealized individual is not the case. Although men are independent, they still need each other to function as a human being.
Emerson believes that while human love, family bonds and friendships are important to most people’s lives, they must be reduced to become individuals. Emerson does not completely dismiss the importance of other people, but he underplays it. He states, “I’ll try to feed my parents and support my family. I will be a faithful husband to one woman, but these relationships must be filled in a unique and new way.” He is arguing that he must put his own desires and needs before his relationships with others. People lose comfort and security when they are separated from their family. Most people would not be able to live alone without the love and support of those around them. Emerson is of the opinion that truth is superior to emotion, and so “truth looks better than love’s affectation”. As an individual you must choose truth over comfort and affection, but this isn’t an easy thing to do. In every culture, at all times, there have been bonds formed to bind people together as families. They are often based upon love or a pretense. Emerson claims that if we take away the joy and comfort of mutual affection from people, then they can’t truly be individuals. Emerson could “shun mother and father and wife when my genius calls”, but that thought would strike at the heart and soul of humanity, as familial relationships are the most powerful and lasting bonds we can have. Emerson’s selfishness is revealed by his decision to place himself above the relationships he has with others. Individualism can be lonely and cannot share warmth and love of other people.
Emerson argues that nonconformists lose the power to influence the world. This is because they don’t know the history. Emerson stresses, “insist upon yourself; never emulate”, demonstrating his absolute belief in individuality over others. He does not consider the testimony of those who have gone before him, believing that men are better off discovering truths by themselves. Emerson states that studying older ideas and works will not lead to enlightenment. The human race would suffer a miserable life without older knowledge or philosophy. The ability to speak is often considered a uniquely human trait. Its success can be attributed in part to the fact that it has allowed ideas and concepts continue. It was possible to avoid repeating mistakes from generation to generation by using language. Each generation moved humanity further away. He believed that technology also crippled humanity, because “his [man’s] note books impair his (his memory’s) wit and his libraries overwhelm his (his man’s) wit. The insurance office increases the number accidents”. However, in recent years, technological advancements have improved the human knowledge base and led to new theories. Modern sciences, from physics to biology, are all dependent on technology. And the exchange of ideas has resulted in new theories and developments. Emerson said that for a period of time, a pupil may find their intellectual powers have grown through the study and application of the master’s intellect. However, they will cease to learn. Emerson praises Plato often, especially his genius. But Plato’s earlier works are dependent on Socrates. He even uses Socrates for his later writings, showing how a pupil can learn from and build upon his elders. Emersonians who lack the wisdom of their forefathers will not be able to discover new theories to advance the species. They would only focus on solving the same problems as before, and wouldn’t have the time to think of anything revolutionary.
Emerson encourages individuals to ignore age-old knowledge, become nonconformists or throw away relationships. But his own advice, to disregard human nature and be individualistic, would bring chaos. Humans are by nature social creatures, and forcing them to live apart from the rest of society and to endure the scorn they receive is a way to rob them of their happiness and sense of belonging. Emerson, who denounces his family and places truth and genius above inter-personal relationships, further breaks the bonds of community. Emerson tries to cut people out of history and deny them information from the past. Emerson believes an individual can be left alone by his community and family. He also thinks that a man’s failure is inevitable without these support systems. In Emerson’s eyes, an individual stands alone, unsupported by community, family, and history, but without such supports, any man is doomed to failure, because of the interconnected nature of men. In reality, such complete independence will fail. This is because in societies where people ignore each other, one individual can easily dominate or subjugate another without any coordinated uprising. The human race would lose its power and be divided. It would not be able to defend itself against an attack or maintain peace when different paths intersect. Individualism is no longer appealing because Emerson’s individualism would lead to a Hobbesian world where each person was above the judgement of others, free to do whatever he wanted. Group conformity becomes a necessity to avoid such a world. Emerson has a strong belief in individualism. But when examined carefully, his arguments show that it is not a good idea to act alone. Instead, they encourage people towards conformity.
