Essay 1

The text, “Self-Reliance” by Ralph Waldo Emerson, portray many characteristics of the American soul. America can be described in many ways; such as; independent, religious, and confident. When reading “Self-Reliance” many quotes will metaphorically display the characteristics above. One characteristic of the American soul is confidence; which is heavily depicted in “Self-Reliance.” “ There is a time in every man’s education when he arrives at the conviction that envy is ignorance; that imitation is suicide; that he must take himself for better, for worse, as his portion; that though the wide universe is full of good, no kernel of nourishing corn can come to him but through his toil bestowed on that plot of ground which is given to him to till.” (Emerson 209) Emerson wanted us to be ourselves and never idolize or imitate someone else because the person we are destined to be will ultimately die. He wanted us to be confident and believe in ourselves for better or for worse so that our goals the can be accomplished. “The power which resides in him is new in nature, and none but he knows what that is which he can do, nor does he know until he has tried. Not for nothing one face, one character, one fact makes much impression on him, and another none.” (Emerson 209) Emerson wanted us to be confident enough to try before admitting defeat. Stand by the decisions one make, although it may be the best decision, but the confidence that is put forth may be the best decision. “ A man is relieved and gay when he has put his heart into his work and done his best; but what he has said or done otherwise, shall give him no peace. It is a deliverance which does not deliver.” (Emerson 209) Emerson, again is emphasizing that when self-esteem is put into hard work, that's when our happiness is fulfilled. America, as a nation, is confident in their decisions on government, economy, and warfare. Although all may not agree, the effort and confidence put behind the decisions were seen. Another characteristic of the American soul is religious; which is also illustrated in “Self-Reliance”. “Accept the place the divine Providence has found for you; the society of your contemporaries, the connection of events.” (Emerson 210) Although, Emerson is talking about accepting ourselves, he mentions “the divine Providence”, or God. He wants us believe in God's plan or direction he want us in. “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….” (Emerson 210) Emerson is now saying that if you obey God