Self Reliance As Defined By Webster s Dictionary - 905 Words

Self-reliance, as defined by Webster’s Dictionary, is the â€Å"reliance on one’s own efforts and abilities.† Emerson expands on that concept in his 1841 essay entitled â€Å"Self-Reliance.† For Emerson, self-reliance has many different facets. His main point is the importance of embracing individuality. He says, â€Å"not for nothing one face, one character, one fact, makes much impression on him [man], and another none. It is not with out pre-established harmony, this sculpture in the memory† (2). This idea of divine predestination is central to his argument for believing in oneself. He asks the reader to trust his or her own thoughts. After all, all great thoughts from all great thinkers were unique to them. The world could not have benefited from Plato, or Luther, or Christ, if they had not trusted their own instincts and believed them true for all mankind. These great men were able to live in the world as in solitude, walking and functioning am ong others while trusting their own thoughts and accepting the fact that they were often alone in them. Emerson warns against living in the past, repeating the thoughts of others. Instead he would rather one live for oneself in the present, for â€Å"power ceases in the instant of repose; it resides in the moment of transition from a past to a new state†¦ This one fact the world hates, that the soul becomes; for that forever degrades the past†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (26). Emerson does not mislead his readers into thinking self-reliance will be easy. In fact, he clearlyShow MoreRelatedConfidence in People806 Words   |  3 Pageswithout confidence struggle in the face of society because of their lack of charisma or drive. The people who lack self-confidence can barely get by each day without suffering some embarrassment because they are so afraid of their own dismay and folly. Confidence is a strong trust, earned by the strong actions and self-successes. The strength that people display instills the trust and reliance upon others. The person can have any amount of confidence desired because confidence has no limit or a measurableRead MoreIs Masculinity Defined Within The Comedy?2332 Words   |  10 PagesThe Merriam-Webster dictionary defines the word Masculine as â€Å"Male: having qualities appropriate to or usually associated with a man† (Merriam-Webster). While another source, the popular comedic Urban Dictionary, presents a more satirical definition of the word Masculine, Often defined as aggressive, strong, and unfeeling or stoic. Being masculine means in modern times, at least, no shows of emotion, no flamboyance, no hugging or even looking at other men, must be interested in sports and physical/violentRead MoreRape : A Common Form Of Violence Against Women1871 Words   |  8 Pagesand a common form of violence against women. Rape can be defined as intercourse or penetration (vaginally, anally, or orally) forced with violence, threat of force or wh en the wife is unable to give the consent. In fact, rape can be seen to be more prevalent in patriarchal societies with the rapidly increased of sexism from it. Patriarchy is often defined as a system of male dominance. According to Merriam and Webster, patriarchy is defined as a family, group or government controlled by a man or aRead MoreObesity in African American Women3793 Words   |  16 Pagespurchase nutritional foods for a proper diet. The stigma attached to obesity causes African American women to feel shame and guilt of self-blame (Crocker, Cornwell, Major, 1993). Emotionally, African American women tend to blame themselves for their obesity and will become withdrawn. Therefore, African American women may begin to experience insecurities and low self-esteem. There are several serious health risks that are associated with obesity. Obese African American women experience a highRead MoreObesity in African American Women Essay3669 Words   |  15 Pagespurchase nutritional foods for a proper diet. The stigma attached to obesity causes African American women to feel shame and guilt of self-blame (Crocker, Cornwell, Major, 1993). Emotionally, African American women tend to blame themselves for their obesity and will become withdrawn. Therefore, African American women may begin to experience insecurities and low self-esteem. There are several serious health risks that are associated with obesity. Obese African American women experience a high rateRead MoreSociety s Perception Of A Woman s Role Essay2212 Words   |  9 Pagesthis song, she specifically targets the wealthy, female celebrities she encountered in Hollywood, who occupy a cultural location elevated above that of the rest of their gender. P!nk believes wealth should stem from individual hard work instead of reliance on the labor of others. Because of women’s supposed subordinate role, many are encouraged to marry rich instead of working toward personal achievement, which diminishes the capabilities of women themselves. Society as a whole generally elevates theRead MoreCultural Analysis Thailand9709 Words   |  39 Pagesthe rest of Asia, is from a high-context society where communication is less verbal, but very clear. Strong bonds in the Thai community are imperative to these people, although it is within smaller groups. Respect of class, respect of seniority and self-respect are of vital importance to the Thais and their own place in society. There are less written rules in this nation as opposed to the more formalized written documentation in a low-context society. In a high context society, there is a strongRead MoreQuack Doctors4338 Words   |  18 Pagesresearch is to identify factors influencing quack practices in selected community or barangay in Catanuan, specifically the study will be conducted in Barangay 8 and 9, Catanuan Quezon. Quack practices include all such practices and ideas self-defined by their users as preventing or treating illness or promoting health and well-being.  The main context of quack practices is to relieve pain, postpone death, and make money (Jill, 2000).   With limited time given by managed care initiativesRead MoreAgeism in Healthcare6728 Words   |  27 PagesMather, 2011). Economic factors are key as they directly pertain to the likelihood of reliance on publically-funded healthcare programs, while â€Å"the marital status and living arrangements of the elderly are closely tied to levels of social support, economic well-being, and the availability of caregivers† (Jacobsen et al., 2011, p. 4). The importance of this population’s general health status is, of course, self-explanatory. First and foremost, despite slight recent increases in the amount of incomeRead MoreSame-Sex Marriage and Religion: An Inappropriate Relationship8330 Words   |  34 PagesBrittney Baker Key words, names, terms, concepts: California s Proposition 8, Prop 8; morals legislation; same-sex marriage, gay marriage; religion, religion and politics; separation of church and state; police powers; equal citizenship, equality; 2008 election. Introduction and Thesis The debate over same-sex marriage has been a prominent issue in our society over many years now, appearing in several ballot initiatives such as California s Proposition 8. The idea of allowing two people of the same