In this essay, Emerson makes a persuasive argument for
nonconformity and self-sufficiency, finds sanctity in the individual mind, and calls
upon us to express ourselves strongly rather than meekly. He insists that only as
individuals do we know the best course of action and that imitation of others is
ignorance.
He argues against "society," stating that it is
only when we are apart from society that we can truly be ourselves and make the
decisions that we need to make as individuals, away from the pressures that society
creates. Note how Emerson describes society:
Society everywhere is in conspiracy against the
manhood of every one of its members. Society is a joint-stock company in which the
members agree for the better securing of his bread to each shareholder, to surrender the
liberty and culture of the eater. The virtue in most request is conformity.
Self-reliance is its aversion. It loves not realities and creators, but names and
customs.
Note how Emerson
sets up society as being the antithesis of self-reliance. He argues that society is
build around the "surrender" of the culture and liberty of its members, arguing that it
inhibits free expression and creativity.
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