How does (and should) a person define his/her place in society? (What does Emerson mean by "society" anyhow?)
I believe a person defines their place in society by creating an unique path of their own. This path is made up of the person's beliefs, ideas, and values. In order for people to find their role in society they must look in within themselves. "What I must do is all that concerns me, not what the people think."(23) If individuals carry the same beliefs of the regular society they will never find their own meaningful place. Society wouldn't be as valuable as it is today if people didn't have different beliefs. That is why the main idea of Emerson's passage is to become a non-conformist. Emerson refrences society as the norm or majority of people. This can also connect to Washington's farewell address. People of America should not allow foreign nations or political parties to influence our ideas.
Alex,
ReplyDeleteCan you elaborate on how we should create a unique path of our own? I totally get what you're saying about how his main idea was to be a non-conformist. But how can we break through the mold that society has cast on us?
Thanks!
Addie
Alex- I agree with your belief that in order for someone to find their place in society, they need to express their thoughts and not be afraid of critisism. Society seems to be made up of a bunch of clones that just go along with the ordinary. These people waste their potential to influence society with their individual ideas that could benefit society as a whole.
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