One of the most notable works of romantic literature of the mid-19th century is the essay “Self-Reliance,” written by Ralph Waldo Emerson. Emerson believed in transcendentalism, the idea that everyone has access to and can discover the truth, or God, through the development of themselves; spiritually and intellectually. In his essay “Self-Reliance,” Emerson challenges Americans to create their own cultures and customs, distancing themselves from social norms. Emerson uses various strategies to inspire nationalism in Americans by encouraging them not to conform to society but to formulate new ideas. Emerson takes many different approaches to encourage Americans to conceive and share new thoughts and ideas that might not always be accepted by others. Emerson introduces this idea by beginning his essay with a personal anecdote. He begins by recalling a poem he read by a distinguished artist that was “original and unconventional” (p. 549). This anecdote, on the one hand, allows readers to feel comfortable and familiar with Emerson and, on the other hand, increases their reception of the points of the essay they are about to read. This anecdote also introduces one of the main thrusts of Emerson's essay. That everyone, like him, should have their own opinions and thoughts and not always follow the practices of others. Later in the paragraph, Emerson notes that it is more difficult for a person to develop these thoughts because people are easily influenced by the fear of being avoided and by the opinions of outside influences. Besides anecdotes, Emerson also uses various references to authority. He first mentions Moses, Plato and John Milton; eminent personalities who “did not speak what men but what they thought” (549). These are three remarkable...... middle of paper ......of agriculture. This reinforces the idea that it can be a challenge, but it can also be achieved. By identifying with his readers, Emerson is able to promote American nationalism in understandable terms, making his arguments much easier to accept. Emerson's book "Self-Reliance" was very successful in inspiring mid-19th century Americans to pursue new ideas and theories. Emerson affirms the idea of ​​thinking for oneself instead of blindly following others. He encourages people to have confidence in themselves, believing that everyone can stand out in their own way. This way of thinking is prevalent in today's society and has made America the awesome nation it is today. Works cited by Emerson, Ralph Waldo. “Self-sufficiency”. The Norton Anthology of American Literature: Eighth Shorter Edition. Ed. Nina Baym. New York: WW Norton & Company, 2013. 549-566.