Surname 1
Student’s Name
Tutor’s Name
Course Name
Date Due
English, Literature & Philology: Discussion Post
In this discussion, the theme of Independence will predominantly be discussed as how it's
depicted in two of Emerson's most famous works: "Self-Reliance" (1841) and "Nature" (1836).
Beginning with "Self-Reliance," this collection provides the most comprehensive presentation of
one of Emerson's recurring themes: the need of each person to shun compliance and
independence and false stability and pursue his inclinations and thoughts. The following is an
example of a quote that stands out from the theme: "A foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of
little minds, adored by little statesmen and philosophers and divines." (Emerson, 1841).
Independence fueled by individualism and its impact on one's happiness is two related themes
that Emerson stresses. In his article, he describes how acquiring knowledge, forgetting, and
learning again is the key to living a fulfilling life by concentrating on apparently inconsequential
things (Emerson, 1841). Based on this book, idealism, independence, and the sanctity of nature
are the three basic principles of the independence movement. A man's freedom of thought and
access to infinite sources of information is the product of these three primary forces.
Commonly cited as an example of individualism is a statement from Emerson's "Nature"
(1836) in which he says, "All men are capable of being raised by piety or by passion" into higher
realms of thought” (Emerson, 1849). As an added encouragement, he says, "Know then that the
Student’s Name
Tutor’s Name
Course Name
Date Due
English, Literature & Philology: Discussion Post
In this discussion, the theme of Independence will predominantly be discussed as how it's
depicted in two of Emerson's most famous works: "Self-Reliance" (1841) and "Nature" (1836).
Beginning with "Self-Reliance," this collection provides the most comprehensive presentation of
one of Emerson's recurring themes: the need of each person to shun compliance and
independence and false stability and pursue his inclinations and thoughts. The following is an
example of a quote that stands out from the theme: "A foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of
little minds, adored by little statesmen and philosophers and divines." (Emerson, 1841).
Independence fueled by individualism and its impact on one's happiness is two related themes
that Emerson stresses. In his article, he describes how acquiring knowledge, forgetting, and
learning again is the key to living a fulfilling life by concentrating on apparently inconsequential
things (Emerson, 1841). Based on this book, idealism, independence, and the sanctity of nature
are the three basic principles of the independence movement. A man's freedom of thought and
access to infinite sources of information is the product of these three primary forces.
Commonly cited as an example of individualism is a statement from Emerson's "Nature"
(1836) in which he says, "All men are capable of being raised by piety or by passion" into higher
realms of thought” (Emerson, 1849). As an added encouragement, he says, "Know then that the
