Self Relaince Essay Example

they come to the realization that envy is a form of ignorance and that trying to imitate others is self-destructive. They must accept themselves as they are, regardless of whether it is good or bad. Although there is goodness in the world, one must work diligently in their given circumstances to reap the benefits. The individual possesses a unique power that is new to nature, and only they know what they are capable of until they try. Certain faces, characters, and facts leave a lasting impression, while others do not. This memory retention is not random but instead has a predetermined harmony. The placement of the eye allows it to bear witness to specific rays of light. We only partially express ourselves and feel ashamed of the divine idea that each one of us represents. If this idea is faithfully shared, it can be trusted to yield positive outcomes, but cowards cannot bring forth God's work. A person experiences relief and joy when they invest their heart into their work and do their best. However, any other words or actions will not bring them peace. It is a form of liberation that does not truly deliver. In the pursuit of their genius, they are abandoned; no muse supports them, and there is no inspiration or hope.Trust yourself: every heart resonates with that strong determination. Embrace the place that divine providence has designated for you, the company of your peers, the interconnectedness of events. Great individuals have always done so, and surrendered themselves with childlike faith to the genius of their era, revealing their awareness that absolute reliability resided within their hearts, working through their actions,

dominating their entire existence. And now we are adults, and we must embrace the same transcendent fate in our highest intellect, and not be minors and invalids sheltering in a protected corner, not cowards fleeing from a revolution. Instead, we should be leaders, saviors, and benefactors, obedient to the supreme force, and progressing against chaos and darkness. Nature provides us with delightful clues on this matter, in the expressions and behavior of children, infants, and even animals! They do not possess that fragmented and rebellious mind nor distrust a sentiment because our calculations have analyzed the strength and resources opposing our goals. Their mind is still whole, their gaze undefeated. When we look at their faces, we feel perplexed. Infancy does not conform to anyone; instead, all conform to it, so much so that one baby easily captivates four or five adults who babble and play with it. Therefore, God has provided youth, adolescence, and maturity with their own allure and charm, making them enviable and gracious. Their demands cannot be dismissed if they stand on their own. Do not underestimate the power of youth just because they cannot speak to you and me. Listen!In the next room, his voice can be heard clearly and emphatically, indicating his proficiency in communicating with his peers. Whether shy or confident, he possesses the ability to make us older individuals feel obsolete. The nonchalant attitude of boys who are certain of a meal and would scornfully avoid doing or saying anything to please others reflects the healthy nature of humanity. A boy in the parlor resembles the pit in a theater - independent, unaccountable, observing those who pass

by and judging them swiftly and summarily based on their qualities, deeming them good, bad, interesting, foolish, eloquent, or troublesome. He never burdens himself with consequences or self-interests; instead, he delivers an impartial and genuine verdict. It is necessary for you to seek his favor as he does not seek yours. On the other hand, a man is metaphorically imprisoned by his self-awareness. Once he has demonstrated exceptional abilities or expressed himself impressively, he becomes a person of consequence, scrutinized by the emotions - whether sympathetic or hostile - of hundreds of individuals, whose affections now play a part in shaping his reputation. There is no forgetting or escape from this reality. Oh, if only he could return to a state of neutrality! An individual who can avoid making commitments and observe the world with the same unaffected, unbiased, unbribable, and fearless innocence will always be formidable. Such a person would fearlessly share opinions on all current matters that are perceived as not only personal but necessary, ruthlessly affecting others and instilling fear in them.The voices heard in solitude become faint and inaudible in the presence of society. Society conspires against the individuality of its members. Society is like a joint-stock company, where members sacrifice their freedom and personal development for the sake of stability. Conformity is the most desired virtue, while self-reliance is seen as undesirable. Society values appearances and traditions over authenticity and innovation. To be a true man, one must be a nonconformist. To achieve greatness, one must not let the concept of goodness hinder them; instead, they must critically evaluate what is truly good. The only thing that remains sacred is

the integrity of one's own mind. When you become true to yourself, you will gain approval from the world. I recall a conversation I had with a trusted advisor when I was young. They would often insist on the importance of traditional beliefs. When I responded that my focus was on my inner self rather than tradition, my advisor suggested that my impulses might be demonic rather than divine. In response, I stated that I did not perceive them as such; however, even if I am influenced by evil forces, I would still live according to that influence. The only sacred law to me is that which aligns with my nature. Labels such as good and bad are easily interchangeable; the only true right is what aligns with my own constitution, while the only true wrong is what goes against it.A man should carry himself in the presence of opposition as if he is the only important thing. It's embarrassing to think about how easily we submit to authority and social constructs. The influence of decent and well-spoken individuals on me is greater than it should be. I should stand tall and speak the harsh truth in every situation. If people with malicious intentions try to disguise themselves as philanthropists, should we let that slide? If a bigoted person takes up the cause of Abolition and tells me the latest news from Barbadoes, why shouldn't I tell him to take care of his own family and be kind-hearted and humble? Why should he show such fake tenderness for black people who are far away when he lacks the same at home? This greeting would be

rough and lacking in charm, but the truth is more beautiful than pretending to love. Your kindness must have some strength to it, otherwise, it's not real. The teaching of hate must counteract the teaching of love when it becomes weak and whiny. When my genius calls me, I distance myself from my family members. I would write "Whim" on the doorpost. Hopefully, it's more than just a whim in the end, but I can't spend the whole day explaining myself. Don't expect me to justify why I seek certain company or exclude others. And don't tell me, like someone did today, that I have an obligation to help all poor people. Are they my responsibility?I express to you, foolish philanthropist, that I resent giving money to individuals who are not part of my circle and with whom I have no affiliation. There exists a specific group of individuals whom I am spiritually connected to; for their sake, I am willing to go to prison if necessary. However, I am critical of your various popular acts of charity, such as funding the education of fools in college, constructing meeting-houses for futile purposes, offering assistance to drunkards, and supporting numerous Relief Societies. Although I must confess that on occasion, I do succumb and give the dollar, it is a sinful dollar that I will eventually find the courage to withhold. In the general view, virtues are seen as rare occurrences rather than the norm. A person possesses both their own individuality and their virtues. People perform what is considered a good deed, whether an act of courage or an act of charity, almost as if paying

a fine to make up for their constant absence from societal expectations. Their actions are done as a way to apologize or mitigate their existence in the world – similar to how patients in medical facilities or individuals with mental health disorders pay excessive fees for care. Their virtues are more like punishments. I do not want to atone for anything, but rather to live genuinely. My life is for its own sake and not meant to be a spectacle. I would much prefer it to be less grandiose yet authentic and steadfast rather than flashy and unstable. I desire it to be sincere and gratifying without the need for restrictions or constant self-sacrifice. I demand concrete proof that you are a human being and reject this plea to judge you based on your deeds alone.I understand that it doesn't matter to me whether I choose to do or avoid actions that are considered exceptional. I cannot agree to pay for a privilege when I have an inherent right to it. Though my talents may be few and insignificant, I am who I am and I do not require any additional validation from myself or others. What matters to me is what I must do, not what others think. This principle, which is equally challenging in practical and intellectual aspects of life, distinguishes greatness from insignificance. It's even more difficult because you will always encounter those who believe they know your duty better than you do. It is easy to conform to societal opinions in the world, and it is easy to follow our own opinions in solitude. However, a great individual is someone who

maintains the independence of solitude with grace while amidst a crowd. The problem with conforming to norms that hold no meaning for you is that it diminishes your strength, wastes your time, and presents a blurred image of your character. If you continue to support a lifeless church, contribute to an inactive Bible society, align yourself with a major political party either for or against the government, or live as an ordinary person hiding behind various facades, it becomes challenging for me to determine who you truly are. Consequently, a significant amount of energy is taken away from your true purpose in life. But if you focus on doing your work, then I will understand who you are. By doing your work, you will strengthen yourself. One must consider the game of conformity like a blindfolded person playing blindman's-buff.Knowing the sect of the person, I can anticipate their argument. When a preacher chooses a topic related to their church institution, I already know that they will not say anything new or spontaneous. Despite the pretense of examining the grounds of the institution, they are bound to only consider one side—the allowed side—rather than approaching it as an individual. They act as a retained attorney and their display of knowledge is sheer pretension. Most people choose to align themselves with a certain community of opinion, blinding themselves to other perspectives. This conformity makes them false not just in few aspects, but in every single detail. Even their truths are not completely true. Their every statement disappoints us, leaving us unsure of where to begin correcting them. Meanwhile, nature quickly dresses us in the party's uniform like

prisoners. We start to adopt a specific appearance and expression, gradually losing our individuality. There is a particular, embarrassing experience that repeats itself throughout history—the insincere smile we force ourselves to wear in social situations where we feel uncomfortable and disinterested in the conversation at hand.The muscles tighten around the contours of the face with an unpleasant sensation, not moving of their own accord but rather being controlled by a stubborn will. Going against societal norms results in punishment from the world, leading a person to have to assess a sour expression. Onlookers judge him with disapproval, whether in public or among friends. If this rejection came from contempt and resistance similar to his own, he may go home with a sad face. However, the sour expressions of the masses, like their pleasant ones, have no deep reason; they are put on and taken off as the wind blows and a newspaper dictates. Yet, the discontent of the general public is more powerful than that of the governing bodies and academia. A confident man familiar with society can easily tolerate the anger of the educated classes. Their anger is well-mannered and cautious since they themselves are vulnerable. However, when the rage of the masses is combined with the fury of the ignorant and impoverished, when the unintelligent brute force at society's core starts growling and threatening, it requires magnanimity and religious conviction to treat it as insignificant. Another fear that prevents us from trusting ourselves is our consistency; we hold reverence for our past actions or words because others have no other basis for judging our trajectory aside from what we have done before, and

we are reluctant to disappoint them. But why should you constantly look back over your shoulder?Keep the as they are, below is theand unified text:

Why carry around the burden of your memories, in case they contradict something you have said publicly? Even if you do contradict yourself, what's the harm? It is wise not to solely rely on your memory, even in situations that require pure recollection. Instead, bring the past into the present, which has countless perspectives, and live each day anew. In your metaphysical beliefs, you have denied that the Deity possesses a personality. However, when your soul feels devout emotions, embrace them fully, even if they endow God with physical attributes. Abandon your theories, just as Joseph abandoned his coat in the hands of the harlot, and run away from them. Consistently holding onto foolish ideas is what small-minded individuals like politicians, philosophers, and religious figures admire. A truly great soul has no concern with consistency. They might as well worry about their shadow on the wall. Speak your current thoughts boldly today, and tomorrow speak what tomorrow thinks in equally bold words, even if it contradicts everything you said today. "Oh, then you're bound to be misunderstood," one might say. But is being misunderstood really such a terrible thing? Pythagoras, Socrates, Jesus, Luther, Copernicus, Galileo, Newton, and every wise and noble spirit that ever came into existence were all misunderstood. To be great is to be misunderstood. It's impossible for a person to go against their own nature. The choices they make are always limited by their inherent nature, just as the variations in the Andes and Himalayas are insignificant

when compared to the curvature of the earth's surface.No matter how you assess and evaluate someone, their character remains constant. It is comparable to an acrostic or an Alexandrian stanza, where it reads the same forwards, backwards, or across. In this delightful and humble life in the woods that God allows me to have, I will record my honest thoughts each day without reflecting on the past or anticipating the future. I have no doubt that it will be seen as balanced and consistent, even if unintentional and unseen by me. My writing should carry the scent of pine trees and resonate with the buzzing of insects. Just as the swallow outside my window weaves the thread or straw it carries into its nest, it should also be integrated into my own work. We are perceived for who we truly are. Our character teaches others more effectively than our actions alone. People believe that they only communicate their virtue or vice through their obvious deeds, but they fail to realize that virtue or vice is emitted constantly. There will always be agreement among a variety of actions as long as they are honest and natural when appropriate. Despite their apparent differences, these diverse actions are united by a common inclination. When viewed from a distance or a higher level of contemplation, these variations are no longer visible. The journey of the best ship may appear arduous with its zigzag course, but when observed from afar, it aligns with the general path. Your true actions will speak for themselves and also explain your other genuine deeds. Conforming to societal expectations does not clarify anything. Act individually,

and your past independent actions will justify your current ones. Greatness inspires future generations.If I can have enough determination today to do what is right, and not care about others' judgment, then I must have done a lot of right things in the past to protect me now. No matter what happens, do what is right now. Always disregard appearances, and you will always be able to do so. The strength of one's character builds up over time. All the previous days of virtuous actions contribute to our well-being in the present. What gives the heroes of politics and war their esteemed dignity, which captivates our imagination? It is their awareness of a series of great accomplishments and victories behind them. These achievements collectively illuminate the path for their successors. They are accompanied by a visible entourage of angelic figures. This quality gives thunder to Chatham's voice, dignity to Washington's presence, and an assertive gaze to Adams embodying America. Honor is revered by us because it is not fleeting. It is always rooted in ancient virtue. We revere it today because it is not limited to the present day. We love and pay homage to it because it does not trap our affections and respect but rather stands on its own, self-sufficient and derived from an untainted lineage, even if demonstrated by a young individual. I hope that in these times we have heard the last of conformity and consistency. Let these words be widely known and regarded as foolish from now on. Instead of signaling dinner with a gong, let us hear a whistle from the Spartan fife. Let us never again bow and

apologize excessively. A great man is coming to dine at my house. I do not want to please him; I want him to want to please me. I will advocate for humanity, and even though I desire kindness, I also desire truthfulness.We should confront and criticize the unimpressive mediocrity and complacency of the present era, and challenge the customs, trades, and positions that prevail. The underlying truth of all history is that there is a great responsible Thinker and Actor present wherever a person works. A truly genuine individual belongs to no specific time or place, but rather stands at the center of all things. Nature is present wherever such a person exists. This person evaluates and assesses both you and all others, as well as all events. In society, most individuals remind us of something or someone else, but true character, reality, reminds you of nothing else; it surpasses everything around it. This person must possess such exceptional qualities that they render all circumstances inconsequential. Every authentic individual is a cause, a representative of a nation and an era; their design requires boundless space, masses, and time to fully accomplish. Consequently, future generations appear to follow in their footsteps as a group of loyal supporters. For example, the birth of Caesar led to the Roman Empire lasting for ages afterwards. Likewise, Christ’s birth caused millions of minds to develop and adhere to his genius, to the point where he became synonymous with virtue and human potential. An institution is merely the extended influence of one person; for instance, Monachism originates from the Hermit Antony; the Reformation from Luther; Quakerism from Fox; Methodism from Wesley;

Abolition from Clarkson. Scipio, referred to by Milton as "the height of Rome," provides another illustration. In essence, history can easily be explained as the biography of a few courageous and devoted individuals. Therefore, a person should recognize their own value and ensure they remain in control.Do not let him peep, steal, or skulk around like a charity-boy, a bastard, or an interloper, in the world that exists for him. However, the man in the street feels poor when he looks at things like a tower or a marble god because he sees no worth in himself that corresponds to the force it took to create them. To him, a palace, a statue, or a costly book seem foreign and unwelcoming, much like a fancy carriage, and they seem to ask, "Who are you, Sir?" Yet, all of these things belong to him and seek his attention and appreciation. The picture is waiting for my judgment; it does not command me, but rather I am the one who determines its worthiness of praise. This popular fable about a drunkard who was mistaken for a duke symbolizes the state of man in the world - occasionally waking up from his drunkenness to use his reason and realizing his true potential as a prince.

Our reading is begging and sycophantic. In history, our imagination deceives us. Words like kingdom, lordship, power, and estate may be more extravagant than private individuals named John and Edward living in a modest house with ordinary jobs. However, the things that matter in life are the same for both types of individuals; their overall value is equal. So why do we show so

much deference to figures like Alfred, Scanderbeg, and Gustavus?If they were virtuous, did they exhaust their virtue? The weight of today's private actions is as significant as their public and famous deeds. When ordinary individuals act with original intentions, the brilliance will shift from the actions of kings to those of gentlemen. The world has learned from its rulers, who have captivated the attention of nations. These monumental figures have taught mutual respect among people. The enthusiastic loyalty with which men have allowed the king, the noble, or the great landowner to move freely among them, establish their own hierarchy, and overturn others', compensate for favors not with money but with honor, and represent the law in their own person, was the symbol through which they vaguely expressed their awareness of their own rights and dignity, the rights of every individual. The magnetic force exerted by all genuine actions is explained when we contemplate the reason for self-confidence. Who is the trustee? What is the original self, upon which a universal reliance can be based? What is the nature and power of that indescribable star that defies measurement and infiltrates even insignificant and impure acts with beauty, if the slightest hint of independence is present? This inquiry leads us to that source that embodies genius, virtue, and life—Spontaneity or Instinct. We refer to this innate wisdom as Intuition, while all subsequent teachings are considered lessons.All things have their common origin in the deep force, a fact that analysis cannot uncover. The sense of being that arises in the soul, we know not how, in calm hours, is not different from things, space, light, time, and

man. It is one with them and clearly derives from the same source that gives them life and existence. Initially, we share the life that brings things into existence and then perceive them as appearances in nature, forgetting our shared cause. This is where action and thought originate. It is the source of inspiration that grants wisdom to man, and denying it would be impious and atheistic. We are embraced by vast intelligence that imparts its truth to us and employs us as instruments of its activity. When we perceive justice or truth, we do so without any input from ourselves; we simply allow their influence to pass through us. If we seek to understand the cause of this influence, if we attempt to explore the soul that generates it, philosophy falters. All we can affirm is its presence or absence. Every individual distinguishes between the voluntary acts of their mind and their involuntary perceptions, and recognizes that perfect faith is owed to the latter. Although mistakes may occur in expressing them, one knows these things are undeniable, akin to day and night. My intentional actions and acquisitions amount to aimless wandering; my greatest curiosity and respect are reserved for the least deliberate musings or inherent emotions I feel.Thoughtless individuals easily contradict both perceptions and opinions, or perhaps even more so, as they fail to differentiate between the two. They mistakenly believe that I actively choose to see certain things. However, perception is not a matter of personal preference but rather an inevitable reality. If I perceive a characteristic, my children will perceive it as well, and eventually, all of humanity may come to perceive

it, even if no one had done so before me. My perception is just as concrete as the existence of the sun.

The connection between the soul and the divine spirit is so pure that it is inappropriate to seek intermediary aids. When God speaks, He communicates not just one thing, but everything. His voice permeates the world, illuminating nature, time, souls, all flowing from the core of present thought. God brings about new beginnings and recreates the entirety of existence.

When a mind is open and attuned to divine wisdom, old things lose significance - methods, teachers, texts, even temples crumble. The mind lives in the present moment, absorbing both the past and future. All things become sacred through their relation to this state of being; no entity surpasses another. In the grand universal miracle, all trivial and particular miracles fade away.

Therefore, if someone claims to possess knowledge of and speak about God, yet transports you back to outdated terms used by an ancient civilization in a distant land or world, do not believe them. Is an acorn superior to the mighty oak that it ultimately becomes in its fullness and completion?Is the parent superior to the child they have produced? What is the reason behind the worship of the past? The centuries conspire against the sanity and authority of the soul. Time and space are physical attributes perceived by the eye, but the soul is light. Wherever the soul resides, it is daytime; where it used to be, it is nighttime. History becomes irrelevant and damaging, unless it serves as a joyful allegory of my existence and evolution. Man is fearful and apologetic, no longer

confident enough to say 'I think' or 'I am,' instead relying on quotes from saints or sages. Man feels ashamed in front of a blade of grass or a blooming rose. The roses by my window are not compared to previous or superior roses; they exist as they are and they coexist with God in the present moment. Time has no impact on them. They simply are perfect at all times during their existence. From the moment a leaf bud appears, its entire life unfolds; in a fully blossomed flower, nothing more can be added; in a root without leaves, nothing less can be said. Its nature is content and it satisfies nature at all times. However, man is inclined to postpone or reminisce; they do not live in the present moment but instead mourn past events with turned-back eyes or, oblivious to the abundance around them, they frantically try to predict the future. It is only when man embraces nature in the present moment, transcending time, that they can truly be happy and strong. This should be obvious enough.Despite the reluctance of intelligent individuals to listen to God unless He speaks through the words of biblical figures such as David, Jeremiah, or Paul, we should not always place such significance on a few passages or a few influential lives. We are like children who mechanically repeat the phrases of our elders and mentors, and as we grow older, those of accomplished individuals we encounter. We painstakingly remember their exact words. However, when we adopt the same perspective as those who uttered these sayings, we truly comprehend their meaning and are willing to let go

of the specific words. We can always find equally effective words when needed. If we live genuinely, we will perceive truth. Just as it is easy for a strong person to be strong, it is equally simple for a weak person to be weak. When we have new insights, we willingly discard old memories that have accumulated like useless rubbish. When a person lives in harmony with God, their voice becomes as pleasing as the babbling of a brook or the rustling of cornstalks. And now, the highest truth on this matter remains unspoken; perhaps it cannot be spoken. Everything we say is merely a distant recollection of our intuitive understanding. To the best of my ability to articulate it now, the essence of this thought is as follows: When goodness is near and you possess vitality within yourself, it does not come through any familiar or customary means. You will not observe the footprints of others, see human faces, or hear names. The path, the concept, and the goodness will all be completely unfamiliar and unprecedented.

It shall exclude example and experience.

You take the way from man, not to man.

All persons that ever existed are its forgotten ministers.

Fear and hope are alike beneath it.

There is somewhat low even in hope.

In the hour of vision, there is nothing that can be called gratitude, nor properly joy.

The soul raised over passion beholds identity and eternal causation, perceives the self-existence of Truth and Right, and calms itself with knowing that all things go well.

Vast spaces of nature, the Atlantic Ocean, the South Sea, -- long intervals of time, years, centuries, -- are of no account.

This which I think

and feel underlay every former state of life and circumstances, as it does underlie my present, and what is called life, and what is called death.

Life only avails, not the having lived.

Power ceases in the instant of repose;it resides in the moment of transition from a past to a new state, in the shooting of the gulf, in the darting to an aim.

This one fact the world hates, that the soul _becomes_;for that for ever degrades the past, turns all riches to poverty, all reputation to a shame, confounds the saint with the rogue, shoves Jesus and Judas equally aside.

Why, then, do we prate of self-reliance?

Inasmuch as the soul is present, there will be power not confident but agent.

To talk of reliance is a poor external way of speaking.

Speak rather of that which relies, because it works and is.

Who has more obedience than I masters me, though he should not raise his finger.

The text shall exclude example and experience. It emphasizes that the way is taken from man, not to man, while acknowledging that all people who ever existed are forgotten ministers. Fear a