Lesson's From Emersons Self-Reliance

Many of today’s teenagers are struggling with the decision to stand out while still wanting to fit in. Ralph Waldo Emerson explores the area of conformity and what issues it can cause in getting to know ones true self in some of his best know pieces. Self-Reliance, written by Ralph Waldo Emerson is a prime example transcendentalism at it’s best. Emerson’s writings are still relevant to teenagers today because he gives solid advice on how one can live a life of meaning and fulfillment without trying to be like everyone else in society.

What is conformity? Conformity means being similar in type or form and showing a compliance with rules and regulations set by society or in there own "social hierarchy." High School especially gives teenagers the opportunity to find themselves and who they want to be, but on the other hand, it allows outside forces to influence that particular person. This conflict often leaves teenagers wondering if they should conform and stay withing the status quo or expand and become their own individual. Emerson’s view on this matter was that to conform with what society wants you to be is poising that individual by not allowing him/her to grow to his/her full potential and to the full recognition of themselves. "....is it so bad, then, to be misunderstood? Pythagoras was misunderstood........and Newton and every pure and wise spirit that ever took flesh. To be great is to be misunderstood." This quote from Emerson’s Self-Reliance brings up a great point. People like Pythagoras, who stayed true to themselves and did not conform though they were looked down upon at the time, shaped the way we live our lives and help shaped the world. The only greatness is to be oneself because if everyone were exactly alike the world wouldn’t be as advanced as it is today.

The key to confidence is being able to completely trust yourself, your unique abilities and not to let other outside influences poison individuality. Living by what Emerson has to say in Self-Reliance can help advance the world we live in today and allow teenagers to grow and expand without negative influences in their lives.