Emerson's "Self-Reliance" ---The Individual

"It is easy in the world to live after the world's opinion; it is easy in solitude to live after our own; but the great man is he who in the midst of the crowd keeps with perfect sweetness the independence of solitude" (23). In this quote, Emerson is illustrating that individuals are those who stay true to themselves in times of hardship. Emerson also believes in noncomformity, and hopes that everyone can make their own decisions in reguards to their roles that they play in their societies. This quote represents how Emerson encourages people to be their own person, and not to live after the world's opinion. I completely agree with him, and i don't really care what people think of me; as long as I know who I am, and I'm happy with it, then life is good for me. Kurt Cobain once said "I'd rather be hated for who I am, than loved for who I'm not." One of the main reasons I believe in noncomformity is because of my parents' divorce, which gave me the independence to take my mind power, and use it, since it is mine and only my mind. Growing up with this attitude helped me adapt to most things around me, which is why I am so open-minded these days. A person should define his/her place in the society as what ever role he/she feels is best, in their mind. Most people define their places in their societies by following others, such as family, friends, and elders. I follow my mind 'cause I know what I like, I know what I want, and I know that being your own person is the coolest and best way to live life.
"Wanting to be someone else is a waste of the person you are." -Kurt Cobain
"Most folks are as happy as they make up their minds to be." -Abe Lincoln
"A man is sucess if he gets up in the morning and gets to bed at night, and in between does what he wants to do." -Bob Dylan