In “Self-Reliance”, Emerson emphasizes the idea that people should trust themselves and shouldn’t be persuaded by outside forces. This is evident in the very first line of the essay where he states, “Trust thyself: every heart vibrates to that iron string” (163). People are allowed to have their own opinions, and conventional forces should not interfere with this entitlement. Emerson states that it is better to exercise one’s own power, rather than notice others and envy them. He also explains that it is important to focus on one’s inner self and attitude towards the future.
He
displays this through the quote “He cannot be happy and strong until he too lives with nature in the present, above time” (163). He highlights society’s two faults, conformity and consistency. Emerson informs readers that often times, people do not take a certain stance because they fear contradiction. However, according to Emerson, the best way to rid of consistency is to be spontaneous and free-willed. In the essay, Emerson says that people should live in the present and uses nature as an example. He states, “These roses under my window make no reference to former roses or to better ones; they are for what they are; they exist with God today” (163). There is no point of dwelling on the past and worrying about what may come in the future. This is not to say that one should commit acts without prior thought. I believe that the point Emerson attempts to make is that overlooking the future can prevent many people from acting in the present. Emerson states, “To be great is to be misunderstood” (163). In order to be great, we must live by our own principles and disregard the reaction that we may receive from society.

These concepts can be considered fundamental American ideas, for
Americans
are culturally independent and are self-reliant. As stated in the First
Amendment, Americans are granted the freedom of speech, religion, press and much more. We are able to express ourselves to the fullest because there is not much stopping us. In America, one commonly comes across people who express themselves freely, for example different religious groups or even gay couples. These people do not acknowledge the fact that what they are doing may be socially unacceptable. They know how they feel and nothing can stop them. Emerson’s essay supports the philosophy of the American
Transcendentalist movement which is that each person is identical with the world, and that world is in unity with God. He follows the idea that the individual soul is one with God, which eliminates the need for outside
influence.