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The Importance Of Self-Reliance In Modern Society

1033 Words5 Pages

At the end of the day, we can only truly rely on ourselves, but considering how easy it is to fall under the influence of social media and our peers, self-reliance can be a difficult practice. Self-reliance is a major aspect surrounding Ralph Waldo Emerson’s early nineteenth century philosophy - transcendentalism, which further consists of simplifying life, nonconformity, and having a connection with nature. Modern society disapproves of transcendentalist values; for this reason, people would think being a transcendentalist in today’s world is impossible. Being a transcendentalist in modern society may be difficult, but not impossible. Living the transcendentalist lifestyle in today’s society is valuable when it comes to the simplification of life and non-conformity; however, having a spiritual connection with nature is not a requirement. Simplifying life is a long process, but people can gradually eliminate minimal worries in order to solely focus on what should truly concern them. When we eliminate little stressors, we tend to lead happier lives. In a society infatuated with small details, Thoreau’s advice from “Walden” becomes more beneficial than ever, “do not trouble yourself much about new things, whether clothes or friends...do not seek...to be developed, to subject yourself to so many influences to be played on…” Following Thoreau’s advice to lose to focus on specifics will make a difference over time. The willingness to minimize concerns of small details is

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