Individualism at Its Finest

            Ralph Waldo Emerson was an exceptional poet, essayist, and lecturer during the 1800’s. He strongly believed in individualism and wasn’t fearful of society’s judgments. In his famous essay, “Self-Reliance”, Emerson emphasizes the importance of personal thoughts and beliefs. He believed that everyone in the world is born with their own individualistic abilities and talents, and that people shouldn’t limit themselves until they have truly tried to accomplish something. Emerson says, “The power which resides in him is new in nature, and none but he knows what that is which he can do, nor does he know until he has tried.” Emerson wanted people to reach their full potential and be all they can be. So many times people are afraid to try new things or express their own thoughts because they are terrified of judgment, however, Emerson didn’t want people to be this way. Ralph Waldo Emerson believed that everyone could be great if they would just allow themselves to be.