Friday 10 May 2013

What is one similarity between Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau? (Civil Disobedience and Self Reliance evidence) I need to find quote from...

I would
suggest that their primary similarity is that both thinkers believed in the idea of individuals
engaging in self- definition through their own emotional states.  In his essay on Self-
Reliance, Emerson writes that "imitation is suicide."  Such an idea is rooted in the
belief that individuals have to hear their own voice and listen clearly to what is present in
their hearts and minds as they engage in self definition.  They will not be able to follow
others as a blind herd in order to define themselves.  In the same light, Thoreau believes
passionately in the idea of staying true to one's own conviction as one engages in self
definition.  I think that this is critical in his writings and can be seen in his opposition to
governmental action, such as the Mexican- American War.  The need to define oneself through
action and rebellion, listening to one's heart and mind as opposed to blindly following the
state, is of critical importance to Thoreau.

No comments:

Post a Comment

In 1984, is Julia a spy? Please provide specific examples from the book. My teacher says that he knows of 17 pieces of evidence which proves that Julia...

There is some evidence to suggest thatwas a spy throughout 's classic novel . Julia portrays herself as a loyal admirer of Big ...