What Makes A Self Reliance - 1691 Words

Who is an American that embodies self-reliance and independence? Self-reliance, or independence as an individual, is an uniquely American trait. 2 Thessalonians 3:6-14, relating to this value, says to work hard, urge people to work for their own earning, and not be a burden on others. Without self-reliance, America could not be the country it is today. One person who embodies this American value would be Ulysses S. Grant. Grant showed this quality in his hard work to his family and country. He was an American who personified 2 Thessalonians 2:6-15 due to his self-reliance. What truly is self-reliance? What is self-reliance exactly? Self-reliance, according to the Google Dictionary, means â€Å"reliance on one’s own powers and resources rather than those of others.† This American quality can be traced back to the founding of America. The rough, scattered, English colonies that had to cope with Indian attacks, famine, and uncomfortably cold weather. John Smith, a rough soldier in the Jamestown colony, demanded obedience from the lazy colonists. He declared that any man who did not work could not eat. Enforcing this is directly enforcing Biblical principles, in the Bible verse 2 Thessalonians 3:6-14. To be self-reliant is to have responsibility, do your own work, take care of your finances, education, and self, and earn your own living. The Founding Fathers of our nation emphasized this quality in the form of individualism- the habit or principle of being self-reliant andShow MoreRelatedAutonomy and Self-Reliance: Kant Vs. Emmerson1682 Words   |  7 PagesThe Autonomy of Self-Reliance In the late eighteenth century, with the publication of his theories on morality, Immanuel Kant revolutionized philosophy in a way that greatly impacted the decades of thinkers after him. The result of his influence led to perceptions and interpretations of his ideas reflected in the works of writers all around the world. Kant’s idealism stems from a claim that moral law, a set of innate rules within each individual, gives people the ability to reason, and itRead MoreThe Importance Of Self Reliance By David Thoreau818 Words   |  4 PagesThe Importance of Self Reliance One of the transcendentalist beliefs is that you should rely on yourself. Transcendentalism is a idea that you have to experience and understand nature. It developed in the early 1800’s. It has 5 core beliefs: nonconformity, self reliance, free thought, confidence, and importance of nature. The texts I will use as examples are Excerpts from Walden, and Self-Reliance. The authors of these are Ralph Waldo Emerson, and Henry David Thoreau. Self Reliance helps you surviveRead MoreSelf-Reliance English Essay802 Words   |  4 PagesSelf-Reliance Megan Delgado P.5 Make-up The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines self-reliance as reliance on ones own efforts, and abilities; Personal independence. Synonyms in the thesaurus include aptitude and ability to pertain independence. Yet self-reliance is so much more than its definition or synonyms; It doesnt exactly mean what the word itself states Reliance on oneself. It has a wide variety of interpretation and complexity than any definition provided for youRead MoreImportance Of Self Reliance Essay945 Words   |  4 PagesThe importance of Self-Reliance Introduction Self-reliance is an important part of life, it’s something that everyone should have because everyone will need it at some point in their adult life. Even if some people are more self-reliant than others, everyone should still have at least a little bit of self-reliance. Self-Reliance Definition The Merriam Webster Dictionary definition of self-reliance is â€Å"Reliance on one’s own efforts and abilities†. I agree with that definition, but I only agree withRead MoreTranscendentalism : Ralph Waldo Emerson And Henry David Thoreau967 Words   |  4 Pagesthis quote, â€Å"People... have knowledge about themselves and the world around them that transcends... what they can see, hear, taste, touch or feel†(History). This is a perfect explanation for what a transcendentalist is and what makes them so special. There are several important transcendentalist ideas that were expressed by Emerson and Thoreau, but few are as necessary as these; nature, self-reliance, and life quality. Nature is one of the most essential transcendentalist ideas that Emerson and ThoreauRead MoreSelf Reliance : Individualism Vs. Society Control850 Words   |  4 PagesSelf-Reliance: Individualism vs. Society Control Ralph Waldo Emerson, author of the motivational narrative Self-Reliance was written to teach the readers to follow their individual will instead of conforming to social expectations. Self-Reliance, is considered to be a short narrative that gives the audience a â€Å"pep talk on life,† which gives each individual support and a manual on how to live for those who seek to be individuals in a mass society. Ralph Waldo Emerson, wrote Self-Reliance for thoseRead MoreSelf-reliance: Transcendentalism and Emerson814 Words   |  4 PagesSelf-Reliance Juny Bernadin AML2000 12-Week 2 Professor Andrew Smith October 29, 2011 Thesis Statement Self-Reliance has its value in its boldness, its construction, and mature attitudes toward evenness and letdown. In addition, Emersons confident logic seems impregnable. To Emerson, not only is self-doubt absolutely out of the question, but it is a virtue to believe that everyone believes as you do. He writes that there is no value in life but personal principlesRead MoreWakefulness: Thoreau, Whitman, and Emerson1532 Words   |  7 Pagesintellectual exertion throughout everyday life is essential to becoming self-reliant, creating a more intellectual and better community, and becoming closer to god. Being self-reliant is brought up in many of Thoreau, Emerson, and Whitman’s work and if one wants to understand the idea of Wakefulness, then they need to understand self-reliance. In his book, Walden, Thoreau writes about the idea that in order to be awake, one must be self-reliant. In Walden, Thoreau leaves his life in Concord, MassachusettsRead MoreRalph Waldo Emerson And Emersons Theory Of Transcendentalism865 Words   |  4 PagesSelf-Reliance Self-reliance is defined as the reliance on ones own efforts and abilities. Self-reliance is part of a movement called transcendentalism led by Ralph Waldo Emerson, and other famous figures in history such as Henry David Thoreau, Walt Whitman, and Emily Dickinson. Emerson discusses society, and individuals, and how they relate to the idea of self-reliance. He also recounts the business, religious, government, and family implications of this concept. Through his use of vivid languageRead MoreEmerson Individualism Essay1222 Words   |  5 PagesEmerson begins his major work on individualism by declaring the importance of thinking for oneself instead of humbly acquiring someone else’s belief. Emerson says, â€Å"To believe that what is true in your private heart is true for all men — that is genius†. The one who scorns personal intuition and, instead, chooses to admit others opinions lacks the inventive power necessary for strong, fearless individualism. Emerson sa ys, â€Å"Trust thyself,† a saying that ties along this initial section of the essay