Question

Explain in your own words what Emerson is saying in this first section of the excerpt from “Self Reliance”

Answer 1

Answer:

In my own words, Emerson is trying to say:

That every man is endowed with his own proper endowments which lies within him. As a result of that, man has what it takes to do what he wants to do because the power/endowment lies within him. Such man derives satisfaction and peace if he puts his heart to do his best believing himself. But if he doesn't believe and rely on his endowments, and decides to look at another, he soon comes to a point of no peace.  

Explanation:

Ralph Waldo Emerson, an American transcendentalist philosopher and essayist wrote his essay in 1841 known as "Self-Reliance". The theme reveals that individuals should learn to follow their own instincts and ideas considering their endowments from God. He stated that each individual is unique and must avoid conforming to others.