Self-Reliance Response

     Emerson thinks a person should define his/her place is society by their wants and needs and not what society pressures them to do. He believes people shouldn't conform, give into popular belief, and should follow their values and wants to fill their personal virtues in life.  Although there may be a "right" path it is okay to stray from that path to create a person that you are proud of. You should do things for yourself and for no one else. Society defines models of perfection that are constantly pushed in our face through the media, education, and our home life. We don't need to fill these molds and we shouldn't fill these molds. We should create our own, unique person.  He says, "It is easy in the world to live after the world's opinion; it is easy 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" (23). Emerson says that when living with others its easy to follow others. When living alone its easy to live by one's own opinions. But, a true man is one who lives with others but also remains true to himself. Life isn't about impressing others its about yourself. A person should define their place in society by what they want and not let others pressure them to change their core beliefs. No one should live to please others, others being peers, the media, or family members. Live life for yourself but don't be afraid to change your path. The only thing constant in life is change. Its hard to admit defeat in times of grief or hardship and this is when we tend to lean on whats right because we've lost our spirit and given up. We shouldn't let society do this to us and we should follow our paths even if they are constantly changing. We only have one life to live and we have to live it for our self.
   Emerson says, "Whoso would be a man must be a noncomformist" (21). A true man is one who follows his own beliefs regardless if they are popular or not. Emerson says a person should define their place in society by their wants and needs. He says many people do not, but if you do then you are a true man.