HENRY, EMERSON AND THOREAU.

This week we will be discussing writings by, Henry Thoreau and Ralph Emerson. These writings are entitled, “Self-Reliance” and “Civil Disobedience.” “Self-Reliance” was written by Emerson, which is a piece that basically describes self. Its focal point is on the strengthening of one’s own gifts rather than imitating the talents of others. It even goes on to say the men have developed much more focus on things rather than on self. This gets away from self-reliance, because it puts other sectors over our property, even laws. “Self-Reliance” speaks of being independent, and having sole dependence on self rather than government or property. Such as having the ability to protect self and provide for self, without putting other people in charge of doing this for you. “Civil Disobedience” was written by Henry Thoreau, which to be an attempt to find the usefulness of a government in the society. Thoreau seems to believe that the government gets in the way of real progress. He also helps to put Emerson’s idealism into action with this piece. Thoreau illustrates that government has changed so over the years, from absolutism to limited monarchy, from limited monarchy to a democracy. As he goes on he brings up the fact that disobeying the laws has a far less price than to obey them. Which makes sense, because in giving your loyalty, right of property and life leaves you with nothing. Thoreau goes on to say that the States will never be truly enlightened until it recognizes powerful, and treats them as such. These changes have evolved to respect the individual, as explained by Emerson. With these details, I do believe that “Civil Disobedience” puts Emerson’s idealism into practice.