First Impression: On Self-Reliance

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The essay, On Self-Reliance by Ralph Waldo Emerson, begins with the line: "Ne te quaesiveris extra". It means don't look outside yourself. Emerson starts with Latin to try to get us to really understand and pay attention to what he is saying, and he writes with a formal, ancient, and often philosophical tone. Even though this essay was written many years ago, the main topics somehow still manage to connect to todays society. Emerson says that actions speak louder than words, excellence is a habit, and that we all fear rejection.

Does any of that sound familiar? If it doesn't, well then it should. These are things that many people have a hard time either believing in or getting past. If any of these issues apply to you, I highly recommend reading this essay.

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