Individualism and Community - Dissertation Example

Download file to see previous pages The period before 1900 was characterized by an element of self-reliance. This probably because of the people involved in writing that time; the majority of the writers during this period were men. As a result of this, it is evident that most writings of the period were influenced by gender. For instance, Emerson asserts that his writing is all about himself and not what he has heard about other men (1873). In relation to his assertion, it is apparent that egotism of men influenced their ideas in writing. To emphasize the point of self-reliance, Emerson expounds on how the words of one of the painters of that period made him realize the essence of believing in oneself thought and what is in one’s heart (Emerson 1163). In relation to his assertion, one can deduce that self-reliance was a virtue of the majority of the men in the period before 1900. Decision-making was not influenced by outside forces; men believed in themselves in making decisions. The art of that period also encourages people to abide by their “spontaneous impression with good-humored inflexibility” (Emerson 1163). In relation to individualism, men emphasized on trusting oneself and the environment in which one resided. For instance, Emerson claims that great men worked through their hands, and as a result of this, he advocates the independence of solitude. Majority of the misunderstandings in the society were as a result of men’s individualism in making decisions. According to the writing by Emerson (1168), men trusted their emotion. ...Download file to see next pagesRead More