Ralph Waldo Emerson's Self-Reliance

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Rita Mae Brown once said “I think the reward for conformity is that everyone likes you except yourself.” This is the sentiment Ralph Waldo Emerson institutes in his piece Self-Reliance. The world is filled with people demanding that you be what suits them best. Whether it is an accountant or lawyer, gay or straight, society always has an opinion. Emerson implores that people act by their nature. To not be oneself is a great sin. Not only does Emerson ask this of society, he also asks that you strive for greatness and live as your own judge. However, be warned, the world will not sit idly by as you break its rules The first idea introduced by Emerson in this passage is to be oneself, because if you are not yourself, then who are you. He brings
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