"Self-Reliance"

Before I could begin comparing myself to the ideologies of Ralph Waldo Emerson I had to take a more in depth personal interview to see the fundamentals of how I carry myself throughout life’s experiences. Since reading Dr. Emerson’s work I’d been given a different perspective on how everyday life is carried out. One phrase that specifically had a sincere effect was when Emerson describes society as, “a conspiracy against the manhood of every one of its members.” This began my journey of discovering whether I live within the realm societal constraints or do I carry out my actions based on what I feel is the overall good for my well being and its positive effects on society as a whole. Then I began to dissect all of my actions as steps in an organized diagram of a do-it-yourself dresser puzzle. Step one: enable a broad view of surrounding. Step two: question whether each situation is conformity or would I rather complete this action with my own regard. Regarding situations with a perception of my own respects and an intention of overall good, society as well as myself should positively benefit. I reached a conclusion that in order for me to become self reliant I needed to express my true self keeping with every opportunity to transcend the norms and enlighten the world with my offerings.
With my new found enlightenment I began a slight study for the past few days attempting to see how changing my decision patterns with complete disregard, in certain situations, to societal demands. I began to realize trusting in myself and my decisions I am able to enjoy my time, more intrinsically and not worry whether I am in conformity to society. I am able to appreciate my decisions for the absolute worth of the decision made because I truly felt it was my decision. After my utopian experiences I analyzed if there were any specific effects on society and realized that there was not much of a change of the characters of my society. My world around me carried on as it pleased but I did come to the understanding that if everyone truly felt the enjoyment of not conforming to societal demands they too would enjoy life as it should be enjoyed.
A little example that brought this to light for me was the whole idea of image brought about through what you wear, what kind of car you drive, where you live, and the friends you associate with, and so on. If you do not have the means to attain such an image then you almost feel the excommunication of society. Now I do know that self reliance and transcendentalism goes far beyond these miniscule societal constraints but I have also feared that these minute fundamentals will digress and conform societal values to these predisposed dispositions. So we all in a sense must become self reliant and go far beyond these radical ideas of conformity to achieve the true joy of self genius.