Emersons Self-reliance
In Ralph Waldo Emerson's Self-Reliance, he writes of “the over-soul” and the belief that mankind is united through very similar beliefs through the “over-soul”. Our instinctive actions in making moral choices are all part of this over-soul. This over-soul exists universally among men and is the basis of deriving the basic laws of government. The idea of the over-soul is evident in and greatly influences religion and faith. It is inherent in the morals of all men, therefore there is truth to the existence of the over-soul. Emerson writes of the over-soul: …that Unity, that Over-soul, within which every man’s particular being is contained and made one with ...
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truth for himself. This reality found from the shared over-soul, is the purest form of truth. All men have this ability to perceive the truth, and a common knowledge of goodness unites and unifies us all. Man’s instinctive actions in making moral choices are all part of the over-soul. Man can perceive that which is ultimately good, only if he looks past the set laws and dogmas of the majority. It is true that all men have certain inherent morals. These morals that uniquely define man, are what separates us from the rest of the animal kingdom. This human characteristic to distinguish between what is morally right from wrong is evident in every individual and constitutes a unifying all embodying “entity”, the over-soul. Along with our natural instincts as animals, we have the ability to choose whether we will submit to our animal urges or follow the true path of the over-soul. The over-soul exists universally among men and is the basis of deriving the basic laws of ...
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man, the effect, ceases, and God, the cause, begins”(53). Emerson believed that God was forever influencing, but not forcing, man to do what is right. Constantly mentioning “God” in his writings, Emerson’s beliefs were greatly influenced by religion. The ability to see what is true is always present; one must only look hard enough to see the truth. Emerson’s over-soul, is the constant truth that remains with man, and is always available to him if he seeks it, just as God remains with us and available if sought.Trusting oneself and relying on oneself for the answers are the main points of Emerson’s Self-Reliance. He writes, “and this deep power ...
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"Emersons Self-reliance." Essayworld.com. Essayworld.com, 4 Jan. 2006. Web. 23 Apr. 2024. <http://www.essayworld.com/essays/Emersons-Self-reliance/39102>
"Emersons Self-reliance." Essayworld.com. January 4, 2006. Accessed April 23, 2024. http://www.essayworld.com/essays/Emersons-Self-reliance/39102.
"Emersons Self-reliance." Essayworld.com. January 4, 2006. Accessed April 23, 2024. http://www.essayworld.com/essays/Emersons-Self-reliance/39102.
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