Individualism Essay Example

the virtues of self-reliance. Also, individualism embodied the concept of personal dependence. Among the key personalities exhibiting individualism in the American literature are the Whitman’s, Robert Frost and Emily Dickson.

Firstly, we learn that Walt Whitman got endowed with the courage and vision to be able to get vocal with his ideas and thoughts in the revolution (Washington, 154). He first starts in the English literature and then making his way to the American Literature. Walt’s most individualistic ideologies are encompassed in the popular poem, “Song of Myself.” It primarily touches on the relationship between a blade of grass to an individual who is completely engulfed in others. He points out that the blade might seem to be similar to all the others when looked at from far. In reality, all the blades possessed different qualities and attributed different from one another. One would, therefore, be wrong to lump together the blades as having similar attributes. The fact that he asks the question what grass is poses some infinite possibilities on the meanings of what one would want to make of the blade. In the countries of mature democracies like the United States of America, there is the burning need to promote democracy, and all people get treated with equality. Individualism should also allow us to respect the culture and values of the others (John, 126). Walt affirms that we should be proud of and appreciate what every individual has to offer from his or her cultural background. Democracy ideally means that every individual has to get the empowerment to speak for herself and share their voices with others. We, not that Whitman is not afraid

of talking about whatever he feels he likes. He enjoyed sharing his feelings. His style of literature brought in a new taste in the art of writing. He cognitively used his past experiences to inspire him in his future life.

The Spirit of Individualism is still evident as described by Emerson when he affirmed that “Good men must not obey the laws too well.” The view has been a good platform for the subsequent generations to start some of the most exquisite reformations of all time. Some of the literary contexts that prove Emerson’s ideas also sound very powerful in conveying the spirit. The revolutionaries, the Transcendentalists, and the Dark Romantics all prove that the righteous individual is one that never fully conforms to the society’s standards (Franklin, 504). He rather judges his actions based on his reasoning and the person practices what he believes is right as according to his experience. Emerson upholds individualism in his views of self-reliance (Bafford, 1890). He says that an individual cannot derive her happiness from following the norms of society but from following his or her hard work. It is easy to note that most of his statements were in a bid to promote self-reliance and independence. At one point, Emerson said that “No kernel of nourishing corn can come to him but through his toil.” In these statements, he urges the people to be independent in thoughts while at the same time encouraging them to work harder. Emerson does not believe in handouts and charity donations. A financially empowered individual will never fall for cheap and hateful politics. Also, he or she will never get involved in mediocre

talks and gossips about the rich in the society.

The concept of individualism in the early America affirms that if the societal standards do not conform to an individual’s spirit and the state of mind, he or she has a right to do away with the law (Adams, 274). We should therefore expect strong opposition from those who try to find the natural truth based on the non-standard ways. In summary, the concept of individualism should promote the independence and self-reliance of an individual.