Individual progress is galvanized by the mentality that cultivates authenticity and rejects imitation. In Self-Reliance by Ralph Waldo Emerson, transcendentalist principles are a recurring subject that strives for individuality within oneself and presents the adoption of foreign principles as a lack of possession and a loss of sense of self. Additionally, Emerson's views oppose division within Christianity and encourage connectivity while characterizing institutions and the codification of truth as non-imperative within the religion. Through spiritual insight, avoiding shying away from innovation and shifting attention from the distant to the present, individuality is manifested and the sanctity of the spirit is galvanized. Antirationalism and the strengthening of personal convictions are the essence of transcendentalism in Emerson's literary work. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essay. The duality that arises from the battle between dependence on the outside world and self-reliance stands in the way of unity and dignity in ourselves and our fortunes. Fortune can be obtained and already accessible in our own hands, but it can only be revealed through deliberate action and self-realization (Emerson 324). As we move away from crowds, as we move away from common activity and ordinary power, greatness arises from nonconformism. Society will stop evolving if individuals rely on others for innovation and change, change can only be initiated by those who are not afraid to impose themselves by standing alone (Emerson 328). Resolution of self-discontent cannot be found in multitude. , but rather through isolation. While transcendentalist principles see the world fueled by dynamism and interconnectedness among all beings, one must view oneself as broadly connected to all that coexists with oneself. However, our interconnectedness with living and inanimate beings does not mean that the outside world defines us, but rather our greatness that arises from our pride fuels this coexistence with others. By respecting the simple regions of life and obeying one's intuition, life will flourish in all ways and discontent will no longer manifest due to conformity to external views and crowd mentalities that aim to suppress ( Emerson 326). New powers emerge as self-confidence blossoms, and one should not become discouraged when rejection emerges from others. Man is born to get rid of customs and man is born to be idolized when his way of life emerges from its depths. In all areas, development is halted by the masses and pre-existing ideals that reject the innate potential emerging from individuals who embrace their innate internal strength. The voice of an intermediary should not prevent individuals from developing their own culture without relying on societal progress. Societal progress can only emerge when individual progress becomes a focal point for many. Undoubtedly, Emerson and the Transcendentalists advocate the conscious cultivation of individualism while they object to wrongly following other traditional paths since they are more commonly accepted. According to Emerson, conformity is equivalent to death, and it is grand to esteem the individual spirit highly. As Emerson declared “ne te quaesiveris extra,” he urges society as a whole to respect its own spontaneity, its own truth (Emerson Central). “All the cry of voices” is an example of individuals losing sight of their ownfortune when societal norms and institutions diminish their authenticity. Humans will perpetually hold the potential to create and shape their individualism, but this is only made possible through self-dependence. Equally important, Emerson describes God as a force rather than as a character or idea, which is what organized religion tends to do. This transcendentalist vision is the basis on which prayer rests. It is judged as selfish and defiant of God's design. God is not seen as receptive to prayer, but rather as an all-powerful presence that should not be implored or sought for an answer since God is an omniscient force. Emerson rejects prayer as a form of communication since prayer is based on selfish goals. Through prayer, man seeks a “foreign virtue” absent from his current life, which leads to a loss of the power of God as a miraculous, mediating supernatural power (Emerson 324). To seek anything other than what God intends in present circumstances is a rejection and discontent that leads to a vicious succession of dissatisfaction. By rejecting God's interconnectedness with other beings, humans are unaware of the fact that God speaks to each soul in different ways and not necessarily by answering prayers. Finally, each soul's connection with God should not be obstructed by deafening institutions that traditionalize truths and other beings. turn them into rules. In Emerson's Self-Reliance, a major principle supported by many transcendentalists is presented and primarily addresses institutions that aim to influence one's altruistic beliefs. The persistence of altruistic beliefs about God is a powerful aspect that should not be influenced by religious establishments. God is not heard through the commandments, but he is heard through nature and seen as an energetic force. Emerson's hostility toward the Church was primarily due to his fixation on the material world rather than heaven (Capper). This was common in the era of Transcendentalism since other Europeans also supported the idea that God's divinity was present in a spiritual form that could not only be perceived through the codification of its truth - the Bible for example . Transcendence can only be possible through accepting our own intuitions about God and not relying on external sources or the external world. Authentic beliefs begin with respecting the truths of life, not the truths established by others. Relying on others leads to a lack of progress in society and diminishes the connection with oneself and God. Men lack support when they depend too much on forms that deviate from natural phenomena. This not only applies to religion, but also to relationships, professions and education. Progress in different aspects of life can only be achieved through appreciation of the good and non-adherence to external crowds. Dependence on foreign support must be reversed and man must not fear being alone (Emerson 328). Inheriting a trait is not a curse, it is a gift and one should not be ashamed of innate gifts simply because they do not assimilate to pre-existing norms. Weakness is cultivated when men seek good not in themselves, but in others. The initiation of peace begins from an internal source and it can only develop as we move away from the multitude (Emerson 328). A multitude may hold a force, but the force itself is not effective if it is only an effort to gather a larger crowd..