Self-Reliance Response: Society

Emerson thinks, "Society everywhere is in conspiracy against the manhood of every one of its members. Society is a joint-stock company, in which the members agree, for the better securing of his bread to each shareholder, to surrender the liberty and culture of the eater" (21). He is saying that life is a company. People treat life just like work. In order to get ahead in work, you must make connections and agree with people even if you don't truly agree. Because society forces man to do this, man cannot form his own opinions. The society is pressured by the beliefs and opinions of others so cannot create its own. One has to give up his own liberties and culture to the "boss" in order to be promoted. You have to sacrafice your own opinions and agree with the "boss" so that you can be on friendly terms and recieve a raise or a promotion. This is how life is. People, without realizing it, agree with others so that they can build relationships and get ahead. Peope have gotten ahead in life so keep living this way. They are used to the same "bosses". They do not want to step up and be a leader because they want to rely on the "boss" to get ahead. In other words, they rely on society to get ahead. Instead of following others to get ahead, members of a society should, as Emerson suggests , "Trust thyself: every heart vibrates to that iron string" (20). Members of a society should rely on themselves and build self confidence so that one day they will have the courage to lead and be their own boss. They should follow their heart to get ahead in life, not follow the opinions of others.