Emerson's Self Reliance

Ralph Waldo Emerson believed in transcendentalism.  He had an a priori view on knowledge which means,  he believed that a sole focus on the individual gives a power of limitless knowledge without prior experience(a posteriori).  During the time of this movement in philosophy, the focus was not on government like in earlier times, but the focus was on the power of the individual.  Emerson believed that in order for a society to succcessfully survive was to have non-conformists within.  The survival of the society depends on that one non-conformist to argue against the majority in order to initiate right from wrong.  The "Emerson Society" is one that depends on individuals to use their own knowledge.  Because he believed that people could be intelligent about things they have not experienced, it was important to Emerson that they speak their opinion.  An opinionated society allows for change to occur and conflicts to arise.  Conflict and change allow communities to thrive and prosper in many different ways.  These individuals who have the courage to be opinionated are the main reason for the prosperity of society.  In his essay titled, "Self Reliance", he states, "It is easy to live in a world after the world's opinion;it is easy to live 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."(page 23).  It is difficult to interact with individuals of a group who have perpendicular views.  Problems arise when views are not parallel in communities.  When a person apporaches out of the crowd, they must have strength and courage to disregard the opinions of the opposition.  Opposition apposes a threat unlike any other, they are able to glare at you and immediately prove you wrong before an individual gets a chance to talk.  Here, Emerson encourages others to come out of the crowd to state their beliefs.  Society is dependent on the loud spoken, courageous individuals who understand the meaning of knowledge and the people who are able to see change in the world.