Individualism, Emerson, Du Bois and Fromm - Essay Example

? Discussion The tendency to magnify individual liberty as against external ity, and individual activity as against associated activity could as well be referred as individualism. The three philosophers, Emerson, Du Bois and Fromm, have grappled with the intricate definitions of individualism though in different approaches. They have also indicated that there is lack of individualism in the society and also bicker that reexamining individualism in the society will stand out to be the solution to the issues of the society. This paper will explore the different views that the philosophers have based on the forms and will further cite the arguments as presented by the individuals. These ideas are quite useful for me as an individual and resonate perfectly well with the visions I have, this is despite the variation of the perspectives that the writers potent. I believe that they relate to me especially during this year of 2013. Emerson in his writing indicates what he notices with the verses written by eminent painter that “…Let the subject be what it may. The sentiment they create is of more important than any idea they may contain…” when reasoning sheer from thoughts to emotions, then the pronouncement of individual reasoning is clouded by the societal sentiments which is always swayed by propaganda and lack of reasoning. Emerson further notes that “...We but half depict ourselves, and are ashamed of that divine idea which each of us portray in the society…” these sentiments points to the fact that we develop feelings that we believe concerns the next party. Shame as an emotion forces us to consider a lot more about the feelings of others based on our actions. I believe that what is correct is correct and anything that is wrong is wrong .Standard should be set by ourselves to ensure that we live our potential rather than those individuals who might not necessarily share our views and thoughts. In his writing to reveal lack of self-trust, Emerson points the argument that “…accepts the scenario the divine facet has set for you, the current society, as well as the inter-connection of events…” This argument has a direct revelation of how the society confines people into conventional thinking. It restricts growth and makes no one to think differently even if the same methods make no improvement in the life of the individuals in that particular society. In the writings that reveal the role of the youths, Emerson brings to our attention to the suggestion that “…Do not be deceived that the youths do not have any effect in the society, because they cannot speak for themselves. Hark! In the next room their voices are effectively clear and emphatic. It is evident that they can speak in the current society. Bashful or bold, there comes a time when they will make their seniors unnecessary in the society…” In the argument, it is evident that the youths have no say, perhaps because they are not allowed based on traditions and culture. Their potential is unearthed and they energy is not adequately exhausted. The society is not able to think and has set time bomb for not allowing the youths to think too, despite their ability to think. The argument indicates that the old age has refused to allow for the inevitable changes and this paralyses the society. Emerson reveals the comfort portrayed among the youthful members of the society. In the writings, he points that “…The nonchalance group of boys who are certain of dinner, and would contemn and behave like lords to reconcile one, is the healthy features of human nature…” He indicates that this raises irresponsible and troublesome members of the society. I believe Emerson is much interested in revealing what role is played by the individualistic character to ensure that the children grow to be both entrepreneurial and self-reliant. Putting them in a comfort zone does in no way allow them to understand the consequences of the actions that they make. A society that is not creative can as well be conservative and indicates no aspects of development. Citing what he reads, Emerson points that what is written as “…No rules may be pure to me but that of my natural facets. Good and bad are just mere names that can be easily used to describe different phenomenon; the only righteous factor comes after my constitution, the only wrong is anything that opposes it…” I do not advocate for the violations of the law nor do I believe that contrasting the laid down rules including disruption of the system enhances growth, no, it should be clear that such acts have no bearing in defining individualism. But it should be clear that the systems, constitutions and laws are meant to promote health, secure and sane society. When the time moves and events transpire, then some changes are necessary to ensure that the society responds to the changes. These include revisiting laws and changing them to suit the newness. Eventually those things that were abhorred would seem to infringe the rights of the individuals it ought to have protected. A case in point is the legalization of homosexuality. Some of those states that have not given such societal changes are seen to be against the human right. W.E.B Du Bois, starts his writings by the works of Arthur Symons, a poet. The poetry revolves around the conflict of the persona and nature. The persona fails to understand whether it is his fault that there is no calmness or it is the sea that has failed to calm. The identification of this poem reveals how it has become difficult for the individuals in the society to separate themselves from nature. In his writings, Du Bois portrays a different worldview from Emerson. In the case of Emerson, the focus is laid much on the human aspect of the society while Du Bois focuses on nature. The question of the conflict between individual and the environment is vividly indicated by Du Bois when he cites the conflict of “between me and the rest of the world”. The world seems to be accusing to the individual and faults an individual on things that they do. “…I smile or am happy, or decrease the boiling to a simmer as required by the situation…” The poem reveals lack of individualism. There is a certain mode of conformity which an individual is required to align himself or herself with. Du Bois is much focused on the conflicting aspect of an individual. There is a force that pulls him from one side and another to the other. This force is a hindrance to his growth and realization of his potential. “…After the Greek and the Roman, the Indian and Egyptian, the Tetons as well as Mongolian, the Negro is considered a seventh son born with a veil and gifted with a talent to gain an insight in the American world, - a world which does not provide with an opportunity to develop self awareness--- this world only enables him to see himself through the discovery of the other world. It is a queer feeling, this double ---consciousness, this aspect of discovering self awareness by studying one’s self through the guidance of others…” I believe that both the individuals shared important thought, that society lacked individualism and that this was a pointer to failure in many things. Though they differed in the understanding of the forms, they noted that these occurrence in the society and the world hindered growth. Work Cited W.E.B, Du Bois. The Souls of Black Folk. New York: Ralph Waldo Emerson Self-Reliance, 1903. 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