I feel like this story describes high school! In this particular story, he is basically telling his readers to follow our own path, & not let society mold you into what it wants you to be. I feel like this applys to high school for many reasons. In school your one of 3 things. Either a follower, a leader, or one of those people that kind of do their own thing. If your a leader, your a role model for your peers. Your the one that the followers want to be just like. Your the one with the up-to-date fashion, plays sports, good looking, & intelligent. If your a follower, you base your day-to-day life on what else you can do to be more like that person you look up to. Then there are people like me, that dont really try to fit in or be the best. High school is tough, there is always going to be someone that doesnt like you and always someone judging you. Another point that Ralph Emerson made in his story was that we need to accept who we are and the life we have been given. We all have a place in life, and we should never try to be like or envy someone else. I feel like high school is one big battle or contest for kids. Everyone wants the BEST grades, the best clothes, the nicest shoes, the newest technology, the best car... Who can get their permit & license first. Who can throw the best party. Kids these days have lost the whole concept of school, & thats why more teens are dropping out. Its basically a race to grow up. They want to be grown, and free. Obviously, they havent been informed on how much tougher life is after high school. The last thing I really liked that Ralph Emerson wrote in his story is that even the greatest people throughout history were misunderstood. He said that its okay to change your mind, and be wrong. Even if your not right, you can learn from the mistake. Its all about being your own person and not letting anthing or anyone choose your path. I just found this story very inspiring, and easy to relate to. If you have not read it, you definetly should! Self-reliance by Ralph Waldo Emerson .
I am so glad that his passage resonates with you and that your response is so inspirational. I feel the same way every time I read this passage. Sometimes society (the crowd) is so persuasive that we often find ourselves caught up in its hold, and we have to ask ourselves: How am I not myself? RWE encourages us to always be ourselves, and sometimes we need to remind ourselves that it's okay to be who we are.
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