Emerson’s four main ideas were optimism, self-reliance, individualism, and intuition. These themes greatly influenced his own writing and Thoreau’s.
Optimism: “The voyage of the best ship is a zigzag line of a hundred tacks.” (Emerson)
In this quote Emerson is showing optimism because he is saying that the best voyage on a ship isn’t always the smoothest route much like how in life the best things don’t always come easy but they are worth it. Optimism helps people to always be looking forward at what is to come and not dwelling on the past.
Self-reliance: “You will always find those who think they know what is your duty better than you know it.”
This quote shows why self-reliance is important because it is saying that there will always be people who think they know you more than you know yourself. It is important to not let other people decide your life for you no matter what they think they know about you because in the end you should choose for yourself.
Individualism: “Nothing can bring you peace but yourself.”
This quote shows how in the end, the only thing that can bring you peace is yourself and yourself alone. The only thing that matters is who you are and what you value without any influences from society. Society always tries to eliminate individualism which is why it is so important.
Intuition: “The civilized man has built a coach, but has lost the use of his feet.”
This quote shows how society can make people go against their intuition. It is saying that man has a coach but because of this he has lost the use of his feet. Intuition should be used as guidance for people but it can very easily be misguided and wrong choices can be made because of this.
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