Ralph Waldo Emerson and The Psychology of Self-Reliance
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- čas přidán 17. 01. 2018
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In this video, drawing from Ralph Waldo Emerson's classic essay, we examine what it means to be self-reliant.
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Get the transcript (and find links to the paintings used in the video) ►
academyofideas.com/2018/01/ral...
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Based on the comments I want to make some clarifications.
To be self-reliant doesn't mean closing in on yourself and being unreceptive to the ideas of others. I read one comment that said: "You'll find yourself becoming a habitual contrarian for its own sake”. That is the opposite of being self-reliant, it's being conformist as you're reacting to others first and foremost, and not acting from within.
To be self-reliant means to be receptive to the ideas of others, just not dependent on them. You know your own truth as nobody else does. Often your own truth will appear from without, especially from the mouths of those close to you. But it is still your own truth.
To be self-reliant doesn’t mean living as a hermit in the forest either, that is a foolish conception of self-reliance. It means being inwardly independent, and is not mutually exclusive with cultivating a career or having a family. As Kipling said, it means “being your own man”, or to paraphrase Emerson, attaining the sweetness of independence in the midst of others.
Kierkegaard said "the inwardness of the existing person is the truth". When you understand that and live it, you have attained self-reliance.
Academy of Ideas would you please consider making a podcast PLEASE
I would have loved if you asked at the end of this video, ''how many of you are Self-Reliant?''. Just to see the comment section. I assure you, most believe they are..because they want to. Others will say they are not and act humble, though a lot of this would just be to appear humble, knowing that it makes them look wiser, perhaps subconsciously more so even. So...when we understand so clearly how everyone believes they are self reliant, but clearly are not, how can we ever not question ourselves, are we truly self reliant. even to those that we as a whole would deem to be 'self reliant'. In this very act, does society not conform , and perhaps this is not a bad thing.
If I was to say Jiddu Krishnamurti is the best example of a self reliant thinker that I have encountered, is to influence the reader's mind. Not only to think he is Wise and self reliant, but to go check him out to see if he is good or not.Most would follow his words, again getting lost. Others would ignore what he sys and be deemed ignorant.
I may have walked my mind through a maze of confusion here. Any thoughts?
I really like the writing you put in these videos, they resonate with a lot of ideas I have.
I hope to see you put out content for a long time, regardless of platform.
Academy of Ideas I doubt that Waldo’s self reliance only refers to inner definition and inner dependence. It refers to even a national culture. I am from Africa and find this most needed in our countries who reliance on foreign aid hasn’t been very productive for us.
In think self reliance is both intrinsic and should be expressed outwardly.
+Zxuma I never said it referred only to inward independence. In the video I explicitly state the importance of expressing your independence outwardly.
An INTJ take:
Growing up in a suppressive, conformity-demanding environment, I often pondered what I would think & feel if no one was insisting I submit to theirs...
The freedom I found AFTER I LEFT(& NEVER went back!!!) again posed the same question: my answer then was "I don't know." ...but I set about observing my surroundings, asking multitudinal questions, & reading EVERYTHING...choosing to remain contemplative & in the shadows...
I chose to engage in areas & situations where I KNEW my actions would affect a positive shift, silently proceeding dispite other's negative objections... My persistence paid off & served to embarrassingly silence critics, who instead of realizing their misguided angst, weaponized it further into jealous revenge... yet another obstacle to circumvent. Ignoring them seemed to be my best option.
Now entering the final third of my years, I am quietly content in how I have walked, pursuing my enlightenment & assisting those who need it, while ignoring the negative "background noise" that has followed most of my pursuits: that is their baggage & not mine to confront. I persisted even when scores insisted it was impossible, yet even then, my manner & ethics proved them wrong. I saw obstacles through a strategic lense, honing my skill accordingly while never loosing sight of my goal... & did it myself... ALONE... but never "lonely" as I have always been the best friend I've ever had.💜
Attachment is the root of suffering. The more you are able to rely on the self, the less you will suffer. You can be humble and compassionate while observing the world around you. Water flows regardless of what is in it's path. You can be like water. Form your own path. Create rivers, lakes, and oceans. Your path can coexist with paths set in place.
Waters flow is neither compassionate nor humble and indeed indifferent to another's suffering. Wholly occupied to itself.
@@slipshod415 water can make you float or drown depending on the depth of it. Just the same with the level of reliance on the self drowning into narcissism, or being too selfless and losing the self
@@slipshod415 you had it right, your last sentence negated your original statement.
@@nishanthk5306 word salad
Good summation.
To be able to entertain an idea internally and decide whether or not it jives with your own set of values n beliefs. I’ve always been the odd ball of the family or group and wouldn’t have it any other way even though I’m a target for those more reliant on society’s norms and ideas. To me those folks are so lost or busy judging what everyone around them is or has according to systems and ideas ingrained into them from the outside, that they’ll never have the chance to be truly free and as a result never be truly happy with themselves and always looking outside towards inauthentic answers.
"...speak the rude truth in all ways. Your goodness must have some edge to it, else it is none."
DAMN. I can certainly see the influence Emerson had on Nietzsche.
The final sentence in this video blew my socks off. Literally!
This is something everyone needs to see
The truth is that not everyone is able to comprehend and implement these ideas.
One of the most eye opening lines from this video that I have received is that of Montaigne and states "Our mind moves only on faith, being shackled and constrained to what is desired by someone else's ideas, a slave and captive under the authority of teaching. We have been so subjected to leading reins that we take no free steps on our own, our vigor and liberty are extinct." I was not able to understand this line at first, but the more I read it, the more I opened up my mind and realized what it meant. Personally, I had never realized or thought about how true this statement is in real life. We have been taught a certain way throughout all these years and have never fully realized our full capacity of living cause we seem to be restricted from it. Our lives have been taught several ways by adults that we are already used to being bossed around without us realizing it. From my own personal memory I can't remember the last time my parents our any king of adult asked me what I wanted to do or what my own personal opinion was. They are always telling me what to do and what to think. We have all been taught a certain way and all the same subjects in school as if they only want us to know a certain amount of information. We should have our own opinions in all different kinds of matters because it is our mind and not anyone else's.
You sir, I find, have the MOST refreshing channel on this platform. Thank you!
One of the quotes that stood out the most for me was, "A man is to carry himself in the presence of all opposition... I ought to go upright and vital, and speak the rude truth in all ways... your goodness must have some edge to it, else it is none. Meaning that anyone who has strong beliefs and feels passionate about it should have the opportunity to express it no matter the circumstances. I would say that the concept of public education and the government are great side points to back up his main argument. The reason is that it is designed to make the young minds develop and improve nothing but our memorization skills and “regurgitate the dogmas of the day”. This is why we are so afraid of transitioning to the “real world”, as they say in most of our graduation ceremonies because we are so used to having everything handed out to us that when the day comes to finally be independent, we lose control of our lives. Graduates in the “real world” put most of their effort to pay bills and accommodate to the standards of the government that they become physically and emotionally exhausted. However, “for most of our history, self-reliance was viewed not as an ideal to strive for but as a curse to avoid”. We brought this upon ourselves and we are in no position to be pointing fingers at each other and blaming others for our problems.
Find a list of all the paintings used in the video here: academyofideas.com/2018/01/ralph-waldo-emerson-psychology-of-self-reliance/
All the best for the new year, cheers.
Academy of Ideas so grateful for you and your channel, happy New year man
I am your biggest admirer from Nepal 🇳🇵, your materials are exquisite and they really have helped me alot thank you brother.
Glad to be first BTW.
Hey man I’m from Nepal too. You like Emerson? Keep reading him
Gaurav Thapa Self reliance is crucial to read, especially in college years
I wish to go to Nepal one day ✨
@@XtruhSpecialK
Which book should i start with?
@@freya5902 Self Reliance
Great video! Transcendentalism is one of my all time favorite movements, Emerson was a legend. Definitely a way of life to study and improve on the daily.
While watching the video I was finding my train of thought straying towards Socrates and how he was one of the very first examples of self-reliance. What was expressed in the video was that self-reliance is meant to be the way in which we challenge and question the standards which society has set towards our everyday behavior. “A man is to carry himself in the presence of all opposition...I ought to go upright and vital, and speak the rude truth in all ways… your goodness must have some edge to it, - else it is none” was one of the more powerful quotes in the video due to how it basically says that someone who might have the mentality of Socrates must express their views in all ways if not then it will just be worthless. The quote in more simple terms meant that one must have a burning passion for the argument that they make, even if it requires the ugly truth to be told. Being self-reliant doesn’t exactly mean to be self-absorbed but rather to be independent in your own way and not be afraid to express yourself in the face of opposition. Another very powerful quote from the video was, “To be your own man is hard business. If you try it, you will be lonely often, and sometimes scared.” because it states in its own words that if one attempts to be self-reliant they will often find themselves being the only ones standing in their own position yet in the end, nobody can take away the form you held while expressing yourself. “It is easy to live after the world’s opinion; it is easy to live in solitude after our own; but the great man is he who in the midst of the crowd keeps with perfect sweetness the independence of solitude.” was a quote that stood out because it basically tells the person listening or reading that there is no man greater than the one who can be himself in a crowd even if the rest of society doesn’t approve of how unique he might be. One of the most unique things that this video provided me with was the factor of learning the way to use my mind and learn to be myself in public more often than not. I was shocked when I heard the quote, “We have been so subjected to leading-reins that we take no free steps on our own, our vigor and liberty are extinct.” because of how it reminded me so much of how people used to act upon the reign of a new leader when it came to many forms of government in past centuries. Lastly in the quote, “But during the longest period of the human past nothing was more terrible than to feel that one stood by oneself.” what I noticed was that once someone can start the right kind of movement, only then can people get an open window where they can express their thoughts.
Good bumps.. Resonated to me as an INFJ and someone who dropped out of university to works towards being a digital nomad/freelancer
One of the strongest lines that stuck with is that the world will whip you for non conformity. Many great leaders were guided by this essay.
In Ralph Waldo Emerson's Self-Reliance, he continuously states that we don't have to depend on society or what it has to offer, but to rely on ourselves and the resources around because we have the creativity and engineering skills to do so. However, in order to achieve these various skills, we have to "cultivate" them as stated by the video. We are not born to be independent, and we depend on our parents as we develop from infant to child, to adolescence; eventually, we transition into adulthood where we have to become independent. Throughout our lifespan, we learn to do things by ourselves in which we can rely on when there is no one around. One of the points stated in the video was that modern schooling prevents us from furthering our self-reliance and I agree with this. Today, we learn to pass our quizzes or exams, and we have forgotten the beauty in learning. Learning used to be to further our knowledge and expand our critical thinking skills but that has changed over time because multiple answer questions are testing our intelligence.
This video brings puts out many ideas into play right off the bat. Something that stood out to me and that I agree to is when he used that example with the school system “The modern schooling system is a prime candidate spending over a decade… we are not encouraged to explore but to be obedient…” (Academy of ideas, 2018). I agree with this because he brings in the point that society and the school trains us not to be able to do things by ourselves but instead to rely on others. They restrict us in our age of exploration and shut down our pathways when we do try to explore beyond the norm that we get every other day. I can connect all this to my outside world as I witness with my own eyes everyday how society expects us to follow strict guidelines and pressure us into being ready for a “future” that we should already be ready for according to them. We shouldn’t be forced to every single one of us prepare for the same amount of time when some might do it faster or some might even take longer. They basically have all of us on a timer and don’t care if some of us have loads of time to spare or if some of us are panicking to the amount of time left. When the video stated the point of “Stray far from the belief system imposed on them by the schooling system...perceive reality in a perspective that is not their own because of ignorance and laziness...” (Academy of ideas, 2018). I don’t agree with this because the video talks about how people don’t change because they’re too lazy etc. and in my opinion people don’t change because they don’t know what to change too. When you’re only taught something a certain way your whole life if you try to replace it you’ll be lost on what to do or what to expect.
This video brings light to the problem with humanity’s need to conform. The speaker uses powerful words of others to support himself. I found the most powerful quote to be “Self reliant people are ‘tortured more by the smallest strings than others are by chains.’” This quote emphasizes the effect that conformity has on the mindset of individuals. Those who conform become numb to the limitations and struggles imposed on them. Those who do not conform despise even the slightest limitations because they know what true freedom feels like. Ideas such as this one add strength. The argument does, however, have its faults. In the video, there are several arguments related to time. The speaker of this video expresses the idea that “In the modern world there are many forces impeding [the development of self-reliance].” In the modern world, individuals are forced to follow a standard of life. People who are experiencing this forced lifestyle are opening their eyes and realizing they no longer wish to be told how to live. This is not a new thing. There has always been those who desire to be able to think and live differently than others. The speaker even refers to this when he mentions the past. The video describes how conformity was ideal for survival, as “...our ancestors relied on maintaining homogeneity in belief and behavior to ensure all were … able to work together to survive in often harsh environments.” The speaker then argues that “most today not only spend their life within the safe confines of the status quo but also chastise all who show signs of deviation from the norm.” This argument is not weak nor is it untrue; however, I do not think this argument adds strength, as the mentality of the younger generations is changing. The speaker was right when he mentioned that the modern world is “far removed from the living conditions our ancestors were forced to endure…”The youth of this age are beginning to make the decision to live their lives and are able to do so, it has no effect on the survival of everyone. The modern age is not exactly what the speaker makes it out to be. One can not say that self-reliance is punished in the modern age when those in the modern age are cultivating their self-reliance.
The most powerful point expressed in the video was that of the education system training us to be mindless, unmotivated and dependent individuals. In the education system were are not encouraged to formulate ideas, thoughts or opinions, but rather to “memorize”, and “regurgitate”, oftentimes useless information. In our schools, “we have been so subjected to leading reins that we take no free steps of our own”, we are instead enslaved within the confines of another individual's agenda. The point I found to be weak and the idea I oppose is the over-glorification of self-reliance as a whole; now I do understand that being self-reliant is important and oftentimes necessary in order to grow as a person, but in some cases you’ll find yourself being the habitual contrarian for its own sake and not conforming yourself to the people around you, even when it’s the wiser choice. Self-reliance does not equal greatness, being able to make intellectual decisions on whether or not to conform is what makes you great as a person. In today’s society, I do see weak-minded individuals conforming to the ideas presented to them by the masses, incapable to make their own path because the majority say otherwise, it’s especially apparent in our schools. We must be taught to fabricate our own opinions and to be courageous enough to voice them, only then will we achieve true greatness.
The opening statement is absolutely beautiful and definitely captured me as compared to all the other videos. I absolutely love that it is admitted that we are not born instinctively to be self-reliant, but are more born with it and can chose to accept it or not. When we talk about the obedience that is brought up in schools, I begin to kind of split myself in two. Yes, school taught me that I had to be obedient and do things such as get straight A's or pass tests, but it was also the birth place of my individuality. In school I learned to debate, form my own opinion, begin to think for myself, and truly be myself as compared to being in my home. The two videos that I have watched so far have enforced that people reach for acceptance and hate being alone and I believe that this is nonsense. Of course, people such as extroverts seek to be accepted by the crowd, but I grew up as an introvert and more recently, an ambivert, and find that it's perfectly ok with me to not fit in. Further, I don't believe that wanting to be accepted is anything negative. We are humans beings who want to loved, praised, and accepted, so why are we punishing and pointing fingers at each other? I agree with Emerson that you should hold your head up high and speak for what you believe in or someone else will speak for you, but I had never once thought that before we had a hive mindset and had to stay with the crowd to continue to live. It's kind of bizarre to think about. I don't, however, believe that if you become entirely self reliant, you will be able to completely forget the need to be accepted and loved. It's just human nature to want it.
“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”(Ralph Waldo Emerson, Self-Reliance). I really liked this quote because it makes me think on how society is only making us view life or how/ who we should be.The argument of the video is, “Society is purposely designed and structured to make you dependent on it.” They make us think that we need the best of the best brands, phones, etc. In the quote it says that the “great man” is the person who stay true to themselves. We can especially see this in high school, many students always try to fit in, they think that doing what others are doing will get them somewhere. However, staying true to yourself, whether they like them or not, is the best thing for them because they won’t feel lost.
“Well, most men have bound their eyes with one or another handkerchief, and attached themselves to one of these communities of opinion. This conformity makes them not false I’m all particulars. Their every truth is not quite true. Their two is not the real two, their four not the real four; so that every word they say chagrins us, and we know not where to begin to set them right.” (Emerson, Self-Reliance). Not all humans think the same. Back in the day when a person would think differently they would make them seem as crazy. However, nowadays people don’t usually follow the regimen. The quote says on how it’s a follow the leader time of thing, but in the news you can see how people are protesting about most things that are implied by society.
I love you you fight current trends like Social Justice with ideas and thinkers that outlived their era because the truth they spoke. Keep up the good work man!
I truly found Emerson's quote inspiring which said, " It's not a capacity we are born with, rather, it is one which must be cultivated". With age, people slowly start attaining that self-reliance and it should be a norm as once grows, but the idea of this video was to inform on why it's not being practiced. I really agree in that the schooling system greatly affects who we are today and why we don't tend to express that self-reliance because we are always being told how and what to think. Today, we still spent most of our lives in classroom trying to memorize some sentences and keywords to pass a test at that same moment and have forgotten the true purpose of what schooling was for: to learn. As previously mentioned, we should have the capacity to depend on no one but ourselves and what nature provides to become independent as one grows older, but, being self-reliant is not something practiced/ developed because we are impeded to it everyday by society regulations.
With this video I learned and understood the meaning of self reliance. Self reliance teachers you mentally to move on forward not with craziness. This allows you to discipline yourself and become observant, you should allow yourself to value your own values and own yourself as a person. In today’s society it is important to be able
To describe your own self.
Awesome! TY! I think self-reliance is similar to self-trust, self-confidence and self-guidance and requires thoughtfulness and mindfulness in all ways. Enjoy your day!
Thank you for providing an excellent and concise summation of the truly great minds.
My education led me to question everything. Because I studied, I am able to stand on the shoulders of giants, avoid mistakes of the past and make the road by walking. Maybe I was incredibly fortunate to go to a school that fostered this and had to have had parents that encouraged this.
In this world. You only have yourself to rely on 100%. If you expect help and support to get through life then be careful whence it comes. It could be a wolf in sheeps clothing or an Angel in disguise, you will never know. Relying on yourself builds inner strength and character and also gives you patience and a never say die attitude. You will win more of lifes battles than not this way. Staying calm while you are surrounded by the naysayers and haters is an act of defiance and will that these distractions are noises which shut up or fade out. Living your life on your own terms brings lasting happiness and inner peace. You lived how you wanted to live not according the sheeples rules and bureaucracy you created your own world with your wonders and your endeavours. People will let you down all the time. Maybe they dont have your high standards of morality and noble attitude and you expected to much from them. Let them go, they dont belong in your life and nor do you in theres. You can always choose your friends but not your family. Discard there ways they are not your ways and do it asap. Because our time on Earth is very short, you dont have time or energy to waste on fools or psycho/sociopaths!!! Be free, live free!!!
The writer’s main purpose is to get people to get a sense of self-reliance and not live under the conditions that society wants you to turn out. The quote that helps give off this message is when the writer 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.” The author uses strategies like logos, which he helps to give this by giving reasoning by using the school system to show how they train you to how society wants you to be. I think that a quote that really stood out to me is when he mentions the line or quote, “Our mind moves only on faith, being shackled and constrained to what is desired by someone else’s ideas, a slave and captive under the authority of teaching...” I felt it stood out to me because I was able to understand what the writer meant when he says the mind is a slave. Slave did not have any rights or freedom, therefore he compares them to show how our mind or brain has no freedom. I agree with this statement due to the fact that I am able to see this and I can see it in today’s day with the example used by the writer about school education system. The school education system has not given us the right to think, it has only been the same routine everyday to learn and do the work and not think that we have become accustomed to it and not questioned it. Therefore I agree with the writer’s position in which we should develop self-reliance.
At the very end of this video this is such a great way of ending a video that is trying to let the people know that they are under the system that we had created. It states “But no price is too high to pay for the privilege of owning yourself.”, this really made so much more sense for the viewers that’s are watching the video to understand the whole purpose of this video. Emerson has such a great mind set that he is one of many now that always wanted to be different didn’t want to go through the same path that everyone tells you to or only choice that people give you. What I got from the whole video was even though in the old times people would be afraid to come out of their own confort zone because everyone would look at you weird like if you weren’t “normal”. All this would happen because everyone would always have to follow each other and nobody would ever want to break the system that the people and the government would brain wash everyone to being like. It is really important for everyone to be and do whatever it is that you really want to do inside you and to bring that inner you out and forget about what everyone would talk about you.
Sir, with the utmost respect, your vlogs are better university, for those who seek truth. thank you!
Thank you so much for all the quality content, these videos always make me try and strive to better myself
This channel always has the best videos.....thank-you for the effort and quality you put out.
what I like about these lessons is that they are brief and to the point as well as the beautiful paintings included in the lessons,I have become a member of the Academy of ideas,thanks for the brilliant job.
Thank you for helping to educate the public on the history of philosophy and ideas through inspirational videos like this one.
In the video at 5:31, it says a part of a quote that stands out for me and it quotes “ To be your own man it’s a hard business, if you try it you will be lonely often, and sometimes frightened”. I enjoy this quote because it speaks facts about how in this society you need the audacity to be your own man. People never go out of their comfort zone even if it makes them regret any decision that they didn't take. Some people will never get to be what they want to be in this world due to the fact of judgemental people in our society. Many people in the past may have had great ideas for an invention, yet society breaks them down and makes them lose their confidence in their work. A quote I disagree with is part of a quote from 5:34 and it quotes “The individual has always had to struggle from being overwhelmed by the tribe”. Yes, this quote gives out good pointers about our society, yet some individuals like myself don’t live our lives to impress a group of people. This is the reason why I don’t agree with this quote because people like myself live our lives not to impress others, yet we live our lives to impress ourselves. The last quote that stood out from me comes from 5:31 and it quotes “No price is too high to pay for the privilege of owning yourself.” I like this quote because it's true that it is saying, no matter what in life nothing has the same value as being yourself. Being the person you want in a society that is flooded with judgemental people will always win over some money or items.
“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect” (Romans 12:22; ESV).
Amen
After watching this video many times and pausing throughout, all I could think about was “self-reliance”. All my mind kept saying was “BECOME SELF RELIANT” and “BECOME SELF RELIANT”. Do you know what that is? Self reliance in my perspective is the limit to discipline yourself, become observant and learn to love yourself. But why does he want this to be talked about out in society? Well because in today’s society it is important to know where you stand, what your values, and beliefs are. Also to speak up for what you believe and to never take anything you think you don’t deserve. To stand up for what you believe and want no matter what or who you have to go against.
“You’ll find yourself becoming a habitual contrarian for its own sake, and not concerning yourself to the people around you when t is the wise choice”. Why can't we just stop being self reliant? Why not become “wise” to the same group of attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors instead? I think it is wise to learn from the people around you. So start looking for things you can learn to become the best person you can become for yourself. Don’t let anything get in the way of doors opening for you!
Of all your videos, this is my favorite. Great job.
your material is for the most part EXCELLENT!....very educational
Thank you for your IDEA that spawned The Academy of Ideas...
keep up the good work
The video argues that one of the main causes of the low number of self-reliant individuals in society is fear. We are afraid of the consequences that would befall us should we choose to stop conforming. To effectively prove their point, the video explains how, throughout history, "our ancestors relied on maintaining homogeneity in belief and behavior" to guarantee survival. To go against the majority was to "threaten in-group harmony" and put the lives of everyone at stake. Though we no longer have to fight as hard to survive, this continues to influence us. We are afraid to go against the rest of society and be ostracized as punishment. This exploration of human history makes for a compelling argument, proving that "self-reliance was viewed not as ideal to strive for but as a curse to avoid." This continues to be the case for many people, as "they prefer the certitude of psychological chains over the ambiguity and tension of freedom. This particular quote is striking to me in that it challenges the idea that something that is safe is not always the best choice. Instead, the video argues, we must be brave enough to be self-reliant and face the challenges that freedom is worth. We can either "create a system or be enslaved by another man's."
The artwork has been amazing in these recent videos. Bravo.
I found myself being that man. I started questioning all the religious and cultural/societal norms and picked up the ones which seemed most reasonable and logical to me when since I was 16. I was mostly isolated and disliked due to my own ideas, due to rejecting what everyone else in society believed in for their whole life. I keep doing it to this day and I will do it till the last, it has brought nothing but success and prosperity to my life.
Frank Sinatra - My Way simply has been one of the songs I enjoyed the most during all these years.
Thank you for this, first time seeing a video on the channel and experiencing synchronicity ❤️
This is why it's the parents responsibility to teach their children, not the governments.
Lunar Diamond no it's why we need to learn how to teach ourselves.
Puzzle Prime Time right, and that capacity is brought upon a foundation of parenting that was centered around individualism
Well, schools should teach academic learning and parents should teach behaviour.
butcherax has that worked out well so far?
joaohumbg no but now that it's done it's job and everyone can read and information is mostly free, why should the public indoctrination continue?
As the video mentions, “self reliance… is not a capacity we are born with; rather it is one which must be cultivated.” As children we grow up depending on our parents, older siblings, older cousins, or anyone who seems to have more knowledge than us. “We have been so subjected to leading reins, that we take no free steps on our own…” This line specifically caught my attention. As someone who has been subjected, I never realised how little I rely on myself. I would rather be led than to lead as it provides a sense of security when doing something. Too many times has my mouth remained silent in fear of having a wrong opinion. That is the sad thing in all of it, we forget to trust ourselves. “Their every truth is not quite true.” all people lie. Even if it is not intentional, everyone at one point or another has tried fitting in to what society tells us we must be. “We are not encouraged to develop autonomy but instead trained in the art of obedience.” There is no easy way of learning how to be an individual with their own thoughts, opinions, and questions. Most of us follow the crown instead of trying to follow ourselves. Yet, are we simply a herd of sheep made to follow? I’d rather think not. “For most of our history, self-reliance was viewed not as an ideal to strive for but as a curse to avoid.” It is our job to break from the thinking that hinders our self-reliance. In class, voicing one’s opinion and is one of the many ways to become self-reliant. We must make progress instead of staying the same.
Absolutely awesome! Thanks for sharing
If I had to pick one writer who shaped my thinking more than any other it would be Emerson, along with his compadres, Whitman and Thoreau. He’s so eminently quotable and here are my Top 10 favourites of his:
1. *Is it so bad, then, to be misunderstood? Pythagoras was misunderstood, and Socrates, and Jesus, and Luther, and Copernicus, and Galileo, and Newton, and every pure and wise spirit that ever took flesh. To be great is to be misunderstood.*
2. *Make your own Bible. Select and collect all the words and sentences that in all your readings have been to you like the blast of a trumpet.*
3. *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.*
4. *Once you make a decision, the Universe conspires to make it happen*
5. *Though we travel the world over to find the beautiful, we must carry it with us, or we find it not.*
6. *A foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of little minds, adored by little statesmen and philosophers and divines. With consistency a great soul has simply nothing to do. He may as well concern himself with his shadow on the wall. Speak what you think now in hard words, and to-morrow speak what to-morrow thinks in hard words again, though it contradict every thing you said to-day.*
7. *You become what you think about all day long.*
8. *The good news is that the moment you decide that what you know is more important than what you have been taught to believe, you will have shifted gears in your quest for abundance. Success comes from within, not from without.*
9. *Trust thyself: every heart vibrates to that iron string.*
10. *There is a time in every man's education when he arrives at the conviction that envy is ignorance; that imitation is suicide; that he must take himself for better, for worse, as his portion; that though the wide universe is full of good, no kernel of nourishing corn can come to him but through his toil bestowed on that plot of ground which is given to him to till. The power which resides in him is new in nature, and none but he knows what that is which he can do, nor does he know until he has tried.*
Like the stars ✨ in the firmament there are countless others, but perhaps I should end with this, thereby not taking Emerson’s advice: *I hate quotations. Tell me what you know.*
All honestly, Emerson just wanted us to believe in ourself and our believes. He wanted us to believe we were right even if we went against society’s norms. He wanted us to be different from the rest of society. He used an argument stating that “self-reliance is such an underdeveloped capacity. If there is one social institution most to blame for the lack of of self-reliance individuals. The modern school system would be a prime candidate.” This is, in fact, true. Speaking from experience, “we are not encouraged autonomy but instead taught in the art of obedience [and] taught to memorize.” We aren’t truly learning anything. We’re just being forced into society as another pawn in someone else’s chess game. Emerson wanted us to be the king in our own chess game rather than a pawn in society’s game. With this being said, we are slowly heading into that direction. With the current generation, we are heading into a society where we don’t accept the norms and go against it. By mentioning this I am disagreeing with his ideology that “most never outgrow the influence of their schoolings rather than they remain submissive to the demands of others in various subtle ways.” I don’t believe this is true because we, young adults who are about to leave into the real world, have this mentality that society sucks. We are headed to a world of hatred and cruelty and if we keep going the way we’re going, we’re gonna end up being killed off. So “in other words, for most of our history, self-reliance was viewed not as an idea to strive for but as a curse to avoid.” We have seen the idea of having to be true to ourselves being suppressed throughout all of time. It’s time to change that. It’s time to change how society should view themselves by destroying society’s norms. However, “those who choose to proceed upon the path of self reliance must be prepared to endure hardship.” A person who is going to go against society is going to face many difficulties. They will be judged. They will cast aside. But in order to break that for future generations to come, we have to accept that position as the “outcast.” So let us be the outcast. Let us have self-reliance. Let us break the wheel together.
This was a short one. Loved every moment of it.
When Academy of Ideas posts a video you know its going to be a good day!
In this video, I really agree with what is was saying how in school there is no actual teaching being made since it is repressing people thoughts. This is something I agree with since it seems that nowadays it is more important to keep the attendance in order for the school to receive money instead of actually giving students the education they need. Standard testing is the result of failing so many students, which some are more intellectual in other areas. The schools need to reform their priorities. As being self reliance is important to have the ability to think beyond.
The way I see things is how no one is their true self. Today’s society has taught us to live by many standards. The video explains, "modern schooling system" is one of the things that mostly makes up our thinking and how we express ourselves. We "are trained in the design of obedience" instead of living freely and expanding our knowledge to whatever interest we might have or consider. This is really common to people and. sometimes they do not even realize it and they have that mindset of a “follower” . We got to class and listen to lessons and many lectures that will help us pass a test, yet we are not picking up the important things and true meanings of life. The information is just to know it for a while and to he able to pass the test. Its all about passing yet not really caring if acquiring knowledge is happening. No ome should ever be ashamed of what they think is best for them and their beliefs. With our ancestry, many customs and beliefs have been passed down and many of these make you think how close minded an individual can be. In order to grow, there has to be change because it all starts with a person’s will. Yet, this falls short most of the time because people fear what others might say and this leads to people hiding their true expressions from the world. We can not expand our growing as individuals, which limits our ability to grow as a society. We have to let go of the old news and get ready to oick up many new customs that are different yet, help us. We should not be afraid of the insults and rude calls and just express our uniqueness and how polite a human can be. As we grow, we should be able to express ourselves without showing fear. In order to make this happened we have to grow physically and mentally and as a whole wide society, we need to become more open-minded and compassionate with the world and accept everyone as they are and make sure that we are always true to ourselves and anyone around.
One of the best CZcams videos I have come across..
Beautiful Raw powerful 🙏🏻 objectivity is a seemingly ancient gift but I trust it lives on in the viewers and commenters of this video
I love and am grateful for this message which has come at a pivotal moment in my adult life. Greatness must often stand alone in the midst of the robotic crowd. Thank you, AOI💖💟💝💖
Amazing content, as always
a fine line between thinking 'different' and thinking 'for yourself'
Today in our world, as stated in the video, "It is easy in the world to live after the world's opinion." Instead of letting our voices be heard, we take the "easy" way out and keep it to ourselves, and we automatically assume that we don't matter. We shouldn't let ourselves be belittled and lose that potential we carry because of what someone else thinks. One of the ideas mentioned in the video seemed the most interesting to me. He states that we all obtain the trait to have self-reliance; however, if we do not put in the motion or drive, then it will not be "cultivated," as he mentions. He then compares it to a seed, and as we grow, it will either "whiter or flowers," which was compelling to me. Our actions and surroundings play a role in how we live and see ourselves, if we want to become the best, we need to put in the effort to make a change in ourselves and to our community, without letting the comments of others get the best of us. He uses the school as a factor that stops us from obtaining self-reliance within us, which is significant as it not only related to me but to others. Sadly, school is the main place where students feel small and less confident about themselves because of their peers around them. People are always judging and bullying others, which makes there a seed of reliance wither, instead of growing. Emerson and the narrator of the video, argues that we should always trust thyself and not let anyone stand in our way. As the ending of the first quote states, "...but the great man is he who in the midst of the crowd keeps with perfect sweetness the independence of solitude." One who can keep themselves composed and have self-reliance no matter in what type of environment they are in, they are truly living their lives.
Wow, awesome content! Glad to have discovered this channel.
Fantastic video as always, from the Academy of Ideas.
I agree with this video that people should be able to speak their mind. Self reliance teaches us that we should not conform with the beliefs of others, but rather express our own beliefs. Most people fear expressing their own beliefs because of the fear of being ridiculed. One example said in the video is the schooling system since the action of going to school is part of conforming to other's ideas since each person should be able to speak their mind without having someone force you.
I learned about the meaning of self-reliance and I got a better understanding of the importance of being self reliant. In today’s society self-reliance is a very important characteristic. Self reliance allows you to become obedient and be opened to new ideas.
Excellent. Thank you.
Great video. Thank you.
I agree that in schools we are taught to remember and never taught how to criticize or learn. we were taught to rely on others for information and are dependent on people to help us with something. we were born under the ropes of being ordered to do things, but we are slowly breaking free as we grow older and learning that we have freedom to do what we want.
From a young age, we are taught to follow the crowd. To not cause a scene and to say yes to the ideas of the general population and to agree with them. Emerson wrote in order to get individuals to follow their own dreams and aspirations in life and to be the greatest them they can possibly be. “Being shackled and constrained to what is desired by someone else’s ideas, a slave and captive under the authority of teaching.” The word authority seemed to strike out at me when I first read this quote because if we really stop to think about it, what makes someone have the authority over everyone else? Why does the government and the general public forcefully need to have a leader? I think we as human beings all have the capacity to do great things and be great to each other but if we keep following the crowd, we will never get anywhere. “I must create a system, or be enslaved by another man’s.” This quote by William Blake shows how people do not need to follow a system and that at any given time, they could break free and be independent if they wanted to.
dont stop what you are doing, in a hectic work with minimal emphasis on rational thought and discourse. Youre a beacon of information
When it comes to today's society, self reliance os what helps make us all individuals instead of sheeps following more sheeps. We shouldn't base our lives on thoughts of those who surround us. We shouldn't force ourselves to become someone we're not and we shouldn't force ourself to agree with the opinion of others. Our opinions have to be ours because that's our thoughts, no one else's. One of the quotes that stood out to me that was stated by William Blake was when he's telling us to be individuals, we need to create our own views, our own beliefs and not care at all of the belief of others. This is your life. You rule it. We can't just copy the beliefs of others, and believe that we can live just like that. It takes away who we are, "Enslaved by another Man's," like he says, we aren't free, we're slaves to the thoughts and views of others. Overall, Emerson is telling us to not fall into the enslavement of the mind that society wants us to follow. If we do that , we take away our individuality, we are no longer unique, and we no longer stand out from the crowd. One line that Emerson one said that struck out to me is "imitation is suicide" for me this is us as an individual literally killing ourselves to become a whole other person.
I really enjoyed how you mentioned that in today's school system we are being taught to memorize the things that are being taught to us rather than having us really learn about the different objectives in each subject that we need to learn in our 12 years of school. From the very first time we enter school we are taught that we need to go home, do homework, and study for exams that will be given at the end of that week so that we get prepared for the standardized exams that we will have to pass at the end of the year. Why can't we be taught the lessons, but instead of having to write notes, why can't we have a one-on-one answer question with the teacher about the problems we're having? Why do we have to wait to see what questions we answered incorrectly once they are marked with red pen and a grade has been inputed in the grade book? That only discourages us to try to solve the next problem because we fear not knowing how to solve those problems
Interesting video. I recently picked up Essential Writings, looking forward to reading it.
Best $5 I've spent so far this year. I want to hit the LIKE button over and over and over...
Society is hit with a major reality check with this video. Sometimes we fail to realize that the moment we own up to our past, we will be able to change our future. Through this video, it is clearly explained how exactly through our history, how we have evolved in our self-reliance. We have found that self-reliance has been thrown in our faces as something of a “punishment” or “having negative repercussions.” One example that is used is when people were put in solitary confinement, it was a punishment that they ended up dreading. People felt that being alone was almost an uncomfortable feeling. This is exactly how we have been shaped by our own selves. To be nurtured into hating the idea of standing on your own two feet. This is what our kids are learning today. We create this barrier between self-reliance and societal pressure. The last bit of the video is speaking about the price we pay to take ownership over ourselves. With having self-reliance, we hold our own values, beliefs, and opinions to ourselves. We do not conform to the status quo. We stand up for our rights. And there’s no infringement of our character. We are our true selves in the midst of all of the population. We speak for who we wish to be without following the opinion of others. Only then are we able to distinguish the intellectual from society.
I remember requesting this about 2 months ago
I thought you forgot..
Great content man
After those who “never outgrow the influence of their schooling” are mentioned, it is added that “even when they have their opinion, they don’t voice it in the presence of others, but out of fear of ridicule, keep it to themselves”. This statement is extremely impactful because it speaks the truth for many as well as myself. The dread of not being a part of our society and ultimately staying alone is a terrifying concept, therefore, we would rather do anything we can to fit in with a group. This may mean not standing up for what we believe in nor conveying our thoughts and emotions. Those of us who are still shackled by the system of schooling, believe that if our ideas are not good enough or smart enough, we will be rebuked as many of us have been by those around us, including teachers. As stated in the video, we have a “desire for acceptance and the respect of others” which “far outweighs [our] commitment to the truth and hunger to speak [our] minds”. These lines allow me to see the reality of how staying in our safe places could be detrimental to us all. And it has been. The society that we live in has not advanced at all because of our doubts to express our true selves. There are so many great minds out in the world. In fact, everyone has the potential to be an exceptional individual, yet we are trained to “view self reliance not as an ideal to strive for, but as a curse to avoid”. Some of those who have the strength to break out of their conforming chains set upon by society, may also be a part of making the system. William Blake had said, “I must Create a System, or be enslaved by another Man’s”. It’s understandable that some would rather be the guard rather than the prisoner, therefore, I would probably do the same. Everyone would probably do the same which is why we will never live in a place without a system set in place.
Such a beautiful words man can say..
“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.” I think what really astounds me is the fact that Emerson has constantly stated before that we should live how we, ourselves and no one else, want to live. Not to listen to others opinions but also appreciate them and how different they are and take them for what they are. Once you conform to the idea of being under another man's idea of rule, then you essentially give up your way of life. Not being to think for yourself is considered suicide, as considered by Emerson. His book was literally called “Self-Reliance”, a nod to how a majority of people should live their life, not in the shadows of others, but in light of them. I agree with the idea that emerson proposes that the reason for this lack of opinion and thoughtfulness is the fault of the school system. We’re taught from a young age to stay quiet and bury our opinions and thoughts so that others can shine, and that simply is not the best way to teach intelligent and growing minds to outshine others when we’re constantly told to do our best.
The writer's main argument is the lack of self reliant individuals. His first piece of evidence is the school system. “We’re not encouraged to develop autonomy, but instead trained in the art of obedience.” The school system was not created to help people how to learn instead it was created to teach humans how to follow orders and that is the reason why many of us lack self reliance. This piece of evidence that he uses is strong enough to support his argument, because what he talks about is still true to this time period. The school education system has not changed. He says this strong line from the video, “It impedes the progress of even the strong minds.” This helps the listener get it through his or her head to understand and really think about the system. The next line he uses in the video is shockingly powerful. “Our mind moves only on faith, being shackled and constrained to what is desired by someone else’s ideas…” The reason as to why I think this line is powerful is because it is true. All of us think differently and have different ideas that to us sounds good and are good but most of us don’t like to speak our mind. When someone does speak up their mind many people follow their ideas instead of trying to do their own thing. “We have been so subjected to leading reins that we take no free steps on our own.” I agree with this quote because it is relatable to many of us. We don’t like to do anything that is not normal or isn’t normal to society because we’re scared. We are scared of taking steps that can impact our lives. “... attached themselves to one of these communities of opinions.” I think this line can be connected to today’s world because honestly the world hasn’t really changed or advance. It feels like we are still stuck in just judging and giving negative opinions to people who try to speak up their mind.
I agree with the main argument. In the world, there are billions of people currently living and much more that have lived in the past. In comparison to this immense amount of people, the individuals who have made notable changes are few. Society portrays these people almost as Gods or Geniuses. It makes the rest of the population feel like these people are unreachable. It makes them think that they cannot be like them just learn from them because they are just ordinary, average, common people not born with the ability or talent. In the video, the narrator uses schools as evidence of a system of society that prevents independence and instead maintains it "captive under the authority of teaching." I like this because it is not just something most people can relate to and have experienced. It demonstrates the control that society has in individuals mainly in an age when they are susceptible, and easily manipulated. School teaches to respect and learn from others, to stay silent, to obey the rules without questioning them, and to "live after the world's opinion." It teaches "the virtue in most request, conformity." However, instead of thinking self-reliance is "not a capacity we are born with," kids have demonstrated curiosity and fearlessness that, if not obscure, could continue to demonstrate independent thinking later. They began to learn but also think and imagine. Kids say what they believe is right, and they are not afraid until they are taught that there are right and wrong beliefs and that "to be an individual was.. but a punishment."
A great video. Thanks !
1) The main point Emerson tries to bring to life is that a “system” of intellect that keep the mind confined imprisoned any kind of real belief. This restraint is the cage we the people are being punished over a system that is taking control rather than another man.
2) In the text “Our mind moves only on faith, being shackled and constrained to what is desired by someone else's idea a slave and captive under authority of teaching” Is that we aren't able to to think for ourselves just slaves to an owner and only being directed what to do instead of choosing our own course of livelihood.
3) Emmerson quote “ truth is handsomer than the affection of love” this makes the truth have a lot more beauty and meaning to it than a saying with no fact. This breaks the wall of lies and truth and we the people only wanna hear what's true not lies that will only deceive us.
4) The line “Their every truth is not quite true.” this makes us think that not everything we are told that is true is quite true but something so decisive that it does not having real truth. Emerson in way brings life to what can be true in by adding “Their two is not the real two” using this lie feels as if we can both view something but view the same portrain differently that it is not all the same. Two minds don't think the same they both have there own personal view on what they see or being told
5) The pas of Emmerson and his work isn't something I follow i wouldn't follow him on what he says he's not trying to lead he is attempting to make other lead. This is where he separates himself from the leaders he inspires not to lead but to create for our own and lead ourselves and not have to lead anyone but only yourself. This is something that the people nowadays lack a motivation to create for oneself and fuel the drive to become something our lives rather than someone else's.
Really enjoyable and timely video. Emerson is a great source of ideas because they contrast with lots of modern assumptions and still ring true. I think a good way to nuance self-reliance could be to link it clearly to life domains. For example, in economic life you could link it to Shirley Letwin's 'vigorous virtues'. In intellectual life you could maybe link it to doubt and truth-seeking.
Yo just had to comment, let you know that your videos are fucking awesome, keep doing what your doing, legit saving lives. I was in a really dark spot I'd say about a year ago. This channel helped introduce me to philosophy, which now I have a love for that I wouldn't have believed I could possibly have for anything let alone philosophy. Can't thank you enough.
Amazing video as always
*he reads the first quote*
me: *LIKE*
I love your videos, thank you 💙
A point from the video that I agree with is that “it is easy in the world to live after the world’s opinion.” To be connected to the end of the video, this is because someone who speaks their mind against an idea created by society is offended reticulated and out casted. They spend most of their time alone with their thoughts, which is not necessarily the best feeling in the world. Our mind is our worst enemy. No one can do as much damage as you can do to yourself. However at the end of the day “the potential for self-reliance. . . depends on the individual.” Society does not necessarily determine our character. If so, we would all act the same, and there would be no such thing as leaders or followers. This is why I disagree with the second part of the argument that states, “If there is one social institution that is to blame for the lack of self-reliant individuals, the modern schooling system would be a prime candidate.” Even though the school system is an institution that teaches individuals how to do things a certain way such grammar and math it is still not fair to say that a school is not a place that is willing to teach its students’ “to explore, criticize, question, and play with ideas. The truth is that a school system is a place where different ideas that inspire other thoughts are shared with one individual to another. The share of ideas does not inhibit our growth, but instead, nurses our minds and thoughts. The lack of self- reliance is not due to a system put in place by society but rather the individual himself who is not willing to see past himself to become “self-reliant. . . [and] value intellectual independence,” but instead wishes to be a slave due to its simplicity and lack of effort.
Wow, I was blown away by this video, I wish this could be shown in schools and churches
Schools and churches both believe that they need to intervene in YOUR life for you to be on THEIR right path. Its not in their self-interest to show something like this. Jmo
@@tennesseehomesteader6175 i agree
Fantastic video thank you!
Thank you. Just thank you.
According to the speaker, the generations past and generations to come have been enslaved to the concept of conformity, and my stance on that statement is that it is essentially true. He says that “in the modern world, there are many forces impeding [the] development [of self-reliance]” and his example of our educational system is one that gave a valid reasoning to support his argument. Nowadays, it is true to see that the educational system is seemingly draining the youth from their own self-reliance, of their own individuality. Students are “not encouraged to develop [their own] autonomy, but instead, [are] trained in the art of obedience” as we are often scared to “commit… to the truth” and feed the “hunger to speak our mind.” It is the societal ways that influence our decision to speak up. As students, there is a straight tunnel where the school system wants us to think and perceive ideas. Creating a society where homogeneity is common, it is then where the problem reveals itself. Once negative influences start to trump our own beliefs, we start to develop the mindset of hesitating to speak as we feel as though it will not be accepted by society. The rightful scene has not been present in our day and age, and the school system is at fault for the majority of the reasoning behind this. This should be the first step to alter. The years we are put in schooling is where we grow and develop ourselves the most, and if we continue to grow in this type of environment, it will be harder to break out of. The encouragement of change and being against the usual is important to realize, as self-reliance is not meant to be reduced, but enhanced.
I've always loved reading Emerson. Great video. Will you be making videos on William Blake?
Nice vid. I'd argue there's nothing wrong with conformity in itself, it could even be the best option for some. It only becomes a problem (and for me a moral one) where it's forced or coerced by means like mis-education or disadvantaging non-conformists. And while less obvious than in the past, both are still rife in our society, from seemingly trivial details like what we wear through to our means of survival like participation in social systems.
The problem is terms of how it's done is psychological and to do with our mis-placement of expectations on other people. The problem in terms of why it's done is political and to with maintaining power, though at root desire for power also comes down to psychological problems of those pursuing such a path.
Living as we do, radically removed from the environment we evolved to live in, such psychological problems shouldn't be unexpected. The trick is to recognize that so much of what most people call 'normal' behaviour is driven by them.
The quote that is mentioned in 1:43, he mentions the educational system and for me, is effective because all we think and talk about is what is taught to us by our teachers. We don't have a mind of our own, we repeat what is taught to us and this educational system doesn ́t allow for us to express our opinion about some sensitive subjects because we may offend other people. Which, for some people makes sense, however, we can never express our own voice because of the consequences that we may be punished for. The educational system keeps us in the same path as everyone else, we go to school and then we get a job and we´re considered ¨succesfull¨ and this only keeps everyone from reaching their full potential. I think the quote, ¨tortured more by the smallest strings than others are by chains,¨ isn´t as effective because it doesn´t quite necessarily have the same purpose and meaning as the other quotes that are provided in this video.
In addition, I believe that this is one of the shocking quotes that could be even mentioned here. ¨We have been so subjected to leading reigns that we take no free steps on our own, our vigor and liberty are extinct.¨ I believe this is so because many individuals believe that the educational system is something that everyone needs and that´s the only thing that makes someone even be considered successful. Even our parent´s are so hard on us to graduate college/university that they would even ashamed of our grades.
In the timestamp 3:49, ¨I ought to go upright and vital and speak the rude truth in all ways.¨ I don´t necessarily agree with this quote because we shouldn´t be saying it rudely either. Yes we should voice our opinion, however, our opinion won´t matter when we don´t respect other´s opinions and beliefs. If we´re gonna place our opinion, we need to be open minded about other opinions and beliefs.
I can connect these ideas to modern society today. I've seen people personally where they change their opinion because they don´t have the same one as other´s. I've even had friends that are scared to go against someone in fear of their response.
All of these videos. Yes!
Self reliance shows us not to count on others and follow others in their own beliefs. That we need to be our own individual and have our own thoughts and our own belief systems. I believe in this day and age, we are living in fear of stating what we truly feel and believe to be true. We have a fear of sticking out, of not having the same opinion of others, of being the outcast; that we don't formulate our own opinions anymore. We live in thought of "what can I say that will impress [them]" instead of "i'm going to say what I truly think." We need to value our own thoughts, our own opinions, our own system of living. You and I are not someone else, we are ourselves and we were made to be ourselves for a reason. Yes, of course there are instances where people may agree with one another, but do we just say we agree because we really and truly do; or do we agree because it's what everyone else is doing? It is important to have your own system of values and beliefs, because if you live in conformity, you might lose who you truly are.
It would be so cool if you had a pintrest page so you could share these paintings more easily.
Thank you for the video, as always a really good dose of things to reflect
I agree with the idea that “self-reliance flowers or withers depends on the individual but sadly in the modern world there are many forces impeding its development” because society creates a bubble with ideas that are intellectually accepting but once someone attempts to pop the bubble that satisfies complacent individuals, the world turns against them. Once someone feels that their ideas will never be accepted by society, they hesitate to speak about their ideas that could one day impact the world for the greater good. If self-reliance was encouraged during a child's adolescence, the adults who have ideas that they doubt themselves about wouldn't be afraid to speak their minds on certain topics and many of the racist, homophobic, and economical prejudice time periods that we have had in the United States wouldn't have occurred if just one person would have been self-reliant in their beliefs that the actions of America were dreadful. I also agree with the fact that the modern schooling system being at fault for the lack of self-reliance we have; as students we are taught and forced to think in a certain way, whether in mathematics or the way we interpret a poem, we are told that you're either right with the rest of society or you are wrong because you used a different method or understood a deeper meaning than expected. There are many contributions towards the lack of self-reliance in the world and in order to start a change we must begin the schooling system we put children in to learn.
Incredible and beautiful
The psychology of self-reliance, influenced by Ralph Waldo Emerson, enables a different way of approaching specific thoughts and philosophies. A line from an interpretation of Enerson's work through an audio and visual piece that stood out to me was, " They liberate themselves from the beliefs imposed on them." Explicitly, this quotation is supported by the controversial subject of the modern schooling system. The education system is structured to train individuals certain principles without questioning the methods or purpose behind set standards. While we consciously surrender our individuality to set expectations, we don't realize that "our vigor and liberty are [inevitably becoming] extinct," as stated by the educator of children, Montaigne. A society that, without hesitation, submissively follows standards because of the previously established precedent of ideals, will undoubtedly fail to fulfill the intellectual and mental capacity of an individual. Another line that exemplifies a constant inner struggle between man and societal expectations is "I must create a system, or be enslaved by another Man's." This line illustrates a powerful message that I hadn't placed much thought on before. To not fall into a gaping hole of one's self-destruction, is to refrain from naively taking in a set of beliefs that aren't entirely understood or valued by a person. Through my understanding of this video and Emerson's previous work, I learned that the more you are dependent upon yourself to create your happiness is your ultimate responsibility. Other inputs and beliefs shouldn't factor into any decision made on your part. The moment we realize that we will ultimately live unapologetically and without restraint.