Part II: Emerson

Emerson's works, opinions, and ideas about the "Big Idea" of Transcendentalism

Individualism: In Self-Relience, Emerson says, "The great man is he who in the midst of the crowd keeps with perfect sweetness the independence of solitude" This is an example of Individualism because Emerson is saying that the great man is the one who keeps his own thoughts and feelings even though surrounded by society. The influences of others and society doesn't affect him and he will stay great if he continues to be an individual.

Optimism: In Self-Reliance, Emerson says, "Greatness is a property for which no man can receive credit too soon; it must be possessed long before it is acknowledged" This is an example of optimism because Emerson is saying how you have to be positive and patient in life. Greatness will come but you just have to wait and earn it. You have to learn and experience what greatness is before you can own the name.

Self-Reliance: In Self-Relience, Emerson says, "Nothing can bring you peace but yourself" This is an example of Self-Relience because Emerson is saying you can bring peace among yourself. Don't let the thoughts of society negatively impact you and ruin your peace. Think for yourself and keep your peace.

Intuition: In Self-Relience, Emerson says, "To be great is to be misunderstood" This is an example of Intuition because to me, Emerson is saying do what you think is right even though it might not be what society thinks. You are an individual and you might do something different from the crowd and be misunderstood. But that is what makes you great, doing what you think is right and being misunderstood by society.