Quick Write What does it mean to be self – reliant or to rely on yourself? In what ways do you feel you are self reliant? In what ways do you still depend on others? What do you think are some of the benefits of being self reliant?

Today we are going to read Emerson’s piece titled “Self Reliance” and then discuss his ideas. If you get confused at any point remember the basic beliefs of the all the Transcendentalists

Let’s Review Transcendentalist Beliefs Celebration of self, the individual – Be a nonconformist Celebration of what makes us uniquely American Glorifies Nature Transcendence – leave the physical body and become one with the universe – for knowledge, for self exploration, for inner peace Self- Reliance Confidence in your self Free Thought – speak your mind, express your ideas regardless of others opinions

1.What does Emerson mean when he writes “envy is ignorance; that imitation is suicide” 2. Why, according to Emerson should people trust themselves? 3.How does Emerson describe society? 4.How does Emerson feel about conformity? 5.What is Emerson’s comment about consistency?