The Question and Answer section for Self Reliance and Other Essays is a great resource to ask questions, find answers, and discuss the novel.
In the final section, Emerson addresses the “spirit of society.” According to Emerson, “society never advances.” Civilization has not led to the improvement of society because with the acquisition of new arts and technologies comes the loss of old...
Whitman's "songs" focus on democracy and freedom, an unwavering belief in patriotism, and the promise of American freedom.
Emerson opens his essay with the assertion, "To believe in your own thought, to believe that what is true for you in your private heart is true for all men, - that is genius." His statement captures the essence of what he means by "self-reliance,"...
