Please explain: The reliance on property shows a lack of self-reliance. People are measured by what they own rather than for what they are.

In
"," Emerson argues that individuals should allow themselves to be guided by the voice
of God within them, which will lead them to their right vocation.

Reliance on
property is reliance on society; it is the same as relying on what your parents, books,
tradition, or the world around you tells you is the right path in life for you. Often people
advise you simply to conform to social conventions. You may look good in the eyes of society,
Emerson says, if you conform or if you have property, but if you are not following your
God-given purpose, you will inwardly be miserable.

Relying on property is
relying on status and outward image, not on inward being. Emerson argues that the great men of
history, such as Socrates, Jesus, and Leonardo da Vinci, followed their own paths and did what
they were destined for; having property meant nothing to them. We should follow the lead of such
great people. As Emerson says:

Trust thyself: every heart
vibrates to that iron string.