Emerson believes that an individual must stand for his or her own thoughts and actions and not conform to society’s influences. A self-reliant individual is more capable of becoming a stronger person because of their willingness to speak their own mind. Emerson portrays this message when he writes, “It is easy in the world to live after the world’s opinion; it is easy in solitude to live after our own; but the great man is he who in the midst of the crowd keeps with perfect sweetness the independence of solitude (23).” The imagery or example Emerson implies of the self-reliant man in the crowd raises the conflict of individualism and conformity. Due to this struggle, Emerson thinks that a strong individual is a person who is willing to face
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As discussed earlier, Thoreau proposed the idea that society is too focused on the complexity of life rather than the simplicity and appreciation of life. Thoreau thought that individuals would be better off alone embracing life instead of conforming to society and appreciating only the “details” of life. In the film Into The Wild Christopher McCandless agrees with Thoreau’s belief. Christopher McCandless started his journey with the intention of escaping from society, which is why I believe Thoreau’s and McCandless’s thoughts on society were aligned. Throughout the film, Christopher McCandless goes against the norms of society. Specifically, Christopher’s parents offer him a new car as a graduation present. Christopher declines the gift from his parents and tells them that he does not want anything. Society usually idolizes a new car as a significant material possession. Thoreau in the document Solitude and Where I Lived and What I Lived For wanted to escape from similar material possessions in Society. Christopher desires to go without material possessions that society obsesses over; rather, he wants to appreciate the simplicity of life without any material possessions. Furthermore, Thoreau’s belief on society being too complex instead of appreciating the smaller, simpler aspects of life is shown throughout the whole film. In the scene where Mr. Franz and Christopher are talking on a mountain, …show more content…
Similarly, a beautiful Monday afternoon spent at a nature center, I had the chance to see that one leaf as well as many other objects of nature make up a whole nature preserve. Alike to this idea, every individual person will help form and contribute to a community. As I sat and reflected on nature, I thought about how leaves cover a tree, how the rain helps the grass grow, and how animals feed off of the vegetation and other animals. These living objects all play roles within the natural world. Individuals contribute to society especially when they know their purpose, the purpose of others, and how it helps their community. My ideas closely align with Thoreau’s ideas. Thoreau’s idea of slowing down society and taking time to understand yourself and others is beneficial and critical. As I quoted in the second paragraph, Thoreau wrote that society does not make time for individuals to interact with others. I personally experienced this last summer at an overnight camp. This was my seventh summer at camp, but this time was different. I had to quickly transition to being a counselor from a camper. I was clueless about being a counselor and this led to issues and consequences. I had three co-counselors in my cabin. One came a week late, another was shy, and another spoke a different language. Always busy, whether setting up the cabin, entertaining the campers, and
As discussed earlier, Thoreau proposed the idea that society is too focused on the complexity of life rather than the simplicity and appreciation of life. Thoreau thought that individuals would be better off alone embracing life instead of conforming to society and appreciating only the “details” of life. In the film Into The Wild Christopher McCandless agrees with Thoreau’s belief. Christopher McCandless started his journey with the intention of escaping from society, which is why I believe Thoreau’s and McCandless’s thoughts on society were aligned. Throughout the film, Christopher McCandless goes against the norms of society. Specifically, Christopher’s parents offer him a new car as a graduation present. Christopher declines the gift from his parents and tells them that he does not want anything. Society usually idolizes a new car as a significant material possession. Thoreau in the document Solitude and Where I Lived and What I Lived For wanted to escape from similar material possessions in Society. Christopher desires to go without material possessions that society obsesses over; rather, he wants to appreciate the simplicity of life without any material possessions. Furthermore, Thoreau’s belief on society being too complex instead of appreciating the smaller, simpler aspects of life is shown throughout the whole film. In the scene where Mr. Franz and Christopher are talking on a mountain, …show more content…
Similarly, a beautiful Monday afternoon spent at a nature center, I had the chance to see that one leaf as well as many other objects of nature make up a whole nature preserve. Alike to this idea, every individual person will help form and contribute to a community. As I sat and reflected on nature, I thought about how leaves cover a tree, how the rain helps the grass grow, and how animals feed off of the vegetation and other animals. These living objects all play roles within the natural world. Individuals contribute to society especially when they know their purpose, the purpose of others, and how it helps their community. My ideas closely align with Thoreau’s ideas. Thoreau’s idea of slowing down society and taking time to understand yourself and others is beneficial and critical. As I quoted in the second paragraph, Thoreau wrote that society does not make time for individuals to interact with others. I personally experienced this last summer at an overnight camp. This was my seventh summer at camp, but this time was different. I had to quickly transition to being a counselor from a camper. I was clueless about being a counselor and this led to issues and consequences. I had three co-counselors in my cabin. One came a week late, another was shy, and another spoke a different language. Always busy, whether setting up the cabin, entertaining the campers, and