1. 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?

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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?