CHAPTER 2 : SELF RELIANCE- R. W.

EMERSON practice of soldiers grinding their own corn and baking their
own bread. Society is like a wave, always moving forward, but
PARAPHRASE OF TEXT the water that makes up the wave remains unchanged. The
individuals who make up a nation today will die next year,
1. Society does not progress, but rather moves back as much as taking their experiences with them.
it moves forward. It undergoes constant changes, transitioning
from being uncivilized to civilized, and from being non- CHAPTER SUMMARY
Christian to Christian, and from being poor to rich, and from
being unscientific to scientific. However, these changes do not The excerpt from "Self-Reliance" by Ralph Waldo Emerson
necessarily mean improvement. For every new thing that highlights the author's perspective on the nature of societal
society gains, something old is lost. Society gains new skills and progress and the impact of civilization on human beings.
knowledge but loses old natural instincts. Emerson argues that while society undergoes continual
changes, transitioning from barbarism to civilization, and from
2. There is a stark contrast between the well-dressed, educated, poverty to wealth, these changes do not necessarily represent
thoughtful American who carries a watch, a pencil, and financial improvement. He emphasizes that for every new skill or
documents, and the unclothed New Zealander whose knowledge acquired by society, something old and instinctual is
possessions are a club, a spear, a mat, and a small portion of a lost.
shelter. However, if you compare the health of these two men, Emerson contrasts the well-equipped, educated American with
you will see that the white man has lost his original strength. the indigenous New Zealander, illustrating how the former has
According to travellers, if you were to strike a native with a lost physical strength and natural instincts despite possessing
broad axe, the wound would heal quickly, but the same blow modern conveniences. He criticizes the reliance on technology
would be fatal to the white man. The civilized man has created and the loss of practical skills, such as telling time by observing
means of transportation but has lost the ability to walk. He the sun, as well as the negative impact of excessive note- taking
relies on crutches but lacks physical strength. He owns a fine and reliance on libraries.
watch but cannot tell time by observing the sun. He has access The author also questions the moral and intellectual progress of
to a nautical almanac but does not recognize the stars in the sky. society, arguing that there is no significant deviation in moral
He does not observe the solstices or equinoxes, and the entire standards between different eras. He contends that despite
calendar year has no significance to him. His reliance on note- advancements in science, art, religion, and philosophy, the great
books impairs his memory, his libraries overwhelm his intellect, men of the past are comparable to those of the present,
and the insurance office increases the number of accidents. It is suggesting that progress is not measured by time.
even debatable whether machinery is more of a hindrance than Emerson further discusses the potential drawbacks of advanced
a help. The refinement of society may have caused a loss of machinery, citing historical examples where simple tools
energy, and the establishment of Christianity in formal achieved remarkable feats. He argues that the genius of
institutions may have weakened the vigour of natural virtue. humanity returns to the essential nature of man, and that
society is like a wave, always moving forward, but the
3. There is no more deviation in the moral standards of society individuals within it are transient.
than there is in the standard of height or weight. The great men Overall, Emerson's paraphrased ideas highlight his scepticism
of the past are not fundamentally different from the great men about the true benefits of societal progress and technological
of the present. There is a remarkable similarity between the advancement, emphasizing the potential loss of essential
great men of ancient times and those of the modern era. Despite human qualities and practical skills in the pursuit of civilization.
all the advancements in science, art, religion, and philosophy in
the nineteenth century, it cannot produce greater men than the
heroes described by Plutarch twenty-four centuries ago. The
progress of the human race is not measured by time. Phocion,
Socrates, Anaxagoras, and Diogenes were great men, but they
did not establish a lineage. A person who truly belongs to their
class will not be known by their name but will be an individual
in their own right and, in turn, the founder of a distinct group.
The arts and inventions of each era are merely superficial and
do not strengthen humanity.

4. The negative effects of advanced machinery may outweigh its

benefits. Hudson and Behring achieved remarkable feats in
their fishing boats, which astonished Parry and Franklin, whose
expeditions were supported by the most advanced scientific
and technological resources. Galileo, with a simple telescope,
made more impressive astronomical discoveries than anyone
since. Columbus discovered the New World in a basic,
unadorned boat. It is interesting to observe the periodic
abandonment and obsolescence of methods and machinery that
were once highly praised a few years or centuries earlier. The
great genius of humanity returns to the essential nature of man.
The advancements in the art of war were considered triumphs
of science, yet Napoleon conquered Europe by relying on raw
courage and stripping away all extraneous support. According
to Las Casas, the Emperor believed that a perfect army could not
be created without eliminating weapons, supply depots, supply
officers, and transportation, and instead adopting the Roman
INTRODUCTION : 7. Individualism and Sect Formation:
1.Text Overview: The excerpt is from "Self-Reliance," published a. Emphasis on individuality: A truly great person is not bound
in 1841 as part of Emerson's collection of essays. by the classification of predecessors.
b. Proposing the idea of being one's own person and potentially
2. Key Themes: founding a sect.
a. Societal Changes: Emerson critiques societal progress,
emphasizing that transformations don't necessarily result in 8. Arts and Inventions:
improvement. a. Devaluation of contemporary arts and inventions as mere
b. Contrast: The excerpt contrasts the modern, well-educated "costume" for each era.
American with the primitive New Zealander, highlighting b. Argument that these externalities do not necessarily
societal shifts. invigorate or improve
c. Loss of Strength: Emerson suggests that advancements in humanity.
civilization may lead to a loss of primal strength and essential
human qualities. CONCLUSION
d. Challenge to Progress: The text challenges the conventional 1. Essential Man: Emerson's argument for the return to essential
idea of continuous progress, questioning standards of morality human qualities.
and greatness. 2. Periodic Disuse of Advancements: Noting the cyclical nature
e. Emphasis on Individuality: Emerson underscores the of the disuse and perishing of once-lauded means and
importance of individuality and self-reliance amidst societal machinery.
changes. 3. Society as a Wave: Metaphor of society as a wave with ever-
changing individuals, emphasizing the transient nature of
3. Philosophical Underpinning: The excerpt reflects Emerson's experiences.
transcendentalist philosophy, celebrating the inherent
goodness of individuals and advocating for self-reliance in the VOCABULARY
face of societal pressures. Barbarous: Primitive, uncivilized, or lacking cultural refinement.
Christianize: To convert to or adopt Christianity; to bring under the
KEY CONCEPTS influence or principles of Christianity.
1. Nature of Society: Amelioration: Improvement or the act of making something better.
a. Emerson's perspective on societal progress as a cyclical Instinct: An innate, inherent behavior or natural impulse, often
process. unlearned and automatic.
b. Society's continuous changes: from barbarous to civilized, Aboriginal: Indigenous or native to a particular place; the original
rich to scientific. inhabitants of a region.
c. Critique: Change does not necessarily imply amelioration; it Almanac: A yearly publication containing information such as
calendars, weather forecasts, and other statistical data.
involves trade-offs.
Solstice: Either of the two points on the celestial sphere where the sun
is at its greatest distance from the celestial equator, resulting in the
2. Individual vs. Society: longest and shortest days of the year.
a. Contrast between a well-clad, educated American and a Equinox: Either of the two points on the celestial sphere where the
primitive New Zealander. celestial equator intersects the ecliptic, resulting in day and night being
b. Notable possessions vs. primitive simplicity. approximately of equal length.
c. Emerson's argument: The "civilized" man may have material Encumber: To burden or weigh down with difficulties, obstacles, or
wealth, but has he lost essential strengths? unnecessary things.
Entrench: To establish firmly or securely, often referring to ideas,
3. Health and Strength: practices, or institutions.
a. Comparison of the physical health of the "civilized" and the Stoic: About the philosophy of Stoicism, characterized by self-
"savage." discipline, rationality, and the suppression of emotions.
b. Illustration of the loss of original strength in the process of Christendom: The collective body of Christians or the worldwide
societal advancement. Christian community.
c. Metaphor of the broad axe highlighting the resilience of the Deviation: A departure or divergence from a standard, rule, or
primitive man. expected course.
Invigorate: To give strength, vitality, or energy; to refresh or
stimulate.
4 Loss of Natural Abilities:
a. Allegory of the white man losing the use of his feet due to the Opera Glass: A small, compact binocular, typically used for viewing
performances in a theater, opera, or other events from a distance.
invention of the coach.
Undecked boat : boat that lacks a deck or any covering over its hull. In
b. Symbolism: Crutches representing societal support, but other words, it is an open boat without a built- in structure covering
lacking the support of natural abilities. the top.
Laudation: Praise or acclaim, especially expressed in a formal or
5. Knowledge and Awareness: enthusiastic manner; commendation.
a. Critique of the "civilized" man's dependence on tools like Reckon: To consider, estimate, or calculate something; to count or take
watches and almanacs. into account.
b. Lack of connection with nature: inability to observe solstices Disencumbering: action or process of removing or freeing something
and equinoxes. or someone from a burden, hindrance, or encumbrance.
c. Questioning the impact of excess knowledge (note-books, Bivouac: A temporary and often improvised campsite or shelter,
libraries) on memory and wisdom. typically used by soldiers, mountaineers, or travellers for a short stay.
6. Equality and Progress: Commissaries: Officials or officers in charge of supplying provisions,
a. Assertion of a singular equality between great men of especially food, equipment, or other necessities; a place where military
different ages. personnel can purchase goods
b. Challenging the notion of progress: Great men from ancient
times are comparable to those in the 19th century.
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS Ans- Emerson sees society as transient and ever-changing, with
individuals rising and falling in prominence. This
1.How does Ralph Waldo Emerson critique societal progress and impermanence, in his view, means that the societal structures
the impact of civilization on human beings in "Self-Reliance"? and values that are deemed important today will eventually
fade. He suggests that this fleeting nature of societal progress
Ans- Emerson critiques societal progress by emphasizing that calls for an emphasis on individual self-reliance and personal
civilization, with its emphasis on conformity, materialism, and growth, which are timeless and enduring. For Emerson, true
social expectations, stifles individual growth and creativity. He progress lies not in following the current trends or systems of
argues that the more society progresses, the more it imposes the day, but in cultivating one's own nature and intellect, which
restrictions on authentic self-expression and personal integrity. remain constant amid societal change. This view emphasizes
In "Self-Reliance," Emerson champions the idea that true that true growth is internal, not dependent on the external,
greatness comes from individuality and self-trust, not from often-changing world.
following societal norms. He sees civilization's pressure to
conform as a force that undermines the individual’s connection 6.How does Emerson define the relationship between
to their own intuition and inner wisdom. individuality and society in Self-Reliance, and why does he argue
that conformity hinders personal growth?
2.What examples does Emerson provide to illustrate the
potential drawbacks of advanced civilization and the loss of Emerson views society as a powerful force that often pressures
essential human qualities? individuals to conform to its rules and norms. However, he
argues that true individuality and personal growth can only be
Ans- Emerson illustrates the drawbacks of advanced civilization achieved by resisting the tendency to conform. Conformity, in
by highlighting the loss of individuality and spontaneity. For Emerson's view, leads individuals to follow external standards
example, he critiques the way people often abandon their rather than their own inner guidance and intuition. By giving in
original ideas and passions to fit into the mold of what society to societal expectations, individuals suppress their unique
deems appropriate or valuable. He believes that the more talents, creativity, and potential. Emerson believes that each
individuals align with society's expectations, the more they lose person must embrace their own thoughts and ideas, even if
their authenticity, becoming mere reflections of societal norms. these differ from societal norms, in order to experience
He also uses examples of famous figures, like the great men of authentic self-development and contribute something original
history, to show how the very success of civilization leads to a to the world.
society where human qualities like independence, originality,
and creativity are neglected. 7.Emerson emphasizes the importance of trusting one's
intuition. In what ways does he suggest that self-trust is essential
3.In what ways does Emerson challenge the notion of moral and to living a fulfilled and authentic life?
intellectual progress in society, and how does he compare great
men of different eras? Emerson argues that intuition is a vital source of wisdom and
insight. He believes that each individual is capable of discerning
Ans- Emerson challenges the idea of moral and intellectual what is true and right for themselves, and this ability is a form
progress by suggesting that society’s understanding of progress of inner guidance that should be trusted above all else.
is often limited and shallow. He believes that true progress lies According to Emerson, self-reliance is rooted in this trust in
in individual growth and self-reliance rather than in the one's intuition and inner voice. By relying on personal judgment
external advancements made by civilization. When comparing and not seeking validation from others, individuals are more
great men of different eras, Emerson argues that they all likely to live authentic, meaningful lives. Emerson suggests that
possess an innate ability to think for themselves and follow trusting one's intuition enables personal freedom and
their own intuitions, regardless of the time period. He suggests empowers individuals to act in accordance with their true
that true greatness is timeless, and that the so-called progress nature, leading to fulfillment and self-actualization.
of society often overlooks the essential human qualities that
lead to greatness. 8.What role does nonconformity play in Emerson's philosophy of
self-reliance, and how does he respond to the pressures of social
4.According to Emerson, what are the potential negative effects expectations and external validation?
of advanced machinery, and what historical examples does he
use to support his argument? Nonconformity is central to Emerson's philosophy of self-
reliance. He encourages individuals to reject the pressure to
Ans- Emerson critiques advanced machinery for promoting conform to societal standards or to seek approval from others.
dependence and limiting human creativity. He believes that the To Emerson, nonconformity is not merely about outward
more society relies on machines, the more individuals lose their rebellion, but rather about remaining true to one's own
capacity for self-reliance and hands-on problem-solving. convictions, thoughts, and instincts, even when they conflict
Machines, in Emerson’s view, make people complacent and less with social expectations. He believes that individuals should
capable of acting independently. He refers to historical prioritize their own insights and values over the opinions of
examples such as the increasing mechanization of society others. In response to the pressures of social expectations and
during his time, which he saw as contributing to a loss of external validation, Emerson stresses the importance of self-
individuality and freedom. Instead of fostering human potential, trust and independence, arguing that the only way to achieve
machines enable laziness and conformity. personal fulfillment and contribute meaningfully to society is
through nonconformity and the courage to follow one’s inner
5.How does Emerson characterize the transient nature of society compass.
and the individuals within it, and what implications does this
have for his views on progress and change?