An individual's place in society must be a place that is true to themselves and defines who they are. Emerson says, "It is easy in the world to live after the world's opinion; it is easy in solitude to live after our own; but the great man is he who in the midst of the crowd keeps with perfect sweetness the independence of solitude," (23). He is saying that people should always stay true to the core of who they are, even in times that society is overbearing. The society is the majority of the people around the individual which conforms to the values of the mass. People should never let others define their place in society because it is their decision to choose who they want to be and who they want to be known as. When the society tries to define who you are, there is a problem because it is for the individual to determine who they are. The society is that which can be manipulative and controlling; they will mold the individual into what they want. But the individual must fight back with their knowledge of the world and of themselves to be fully independent and great.
I agree with you when you said that a person's place in society is a listen to their own beliefs and thoughts. I think that a society needs people to be individuals and speak their thoughts. It is interesting thought about people fighting back using their knowledge.
ReplyDeleteSociety can be manipulative but it can also help people. People need a sense of belonging. They need to feel wanted. They just need to make sure that they are contributing their own ideas. There can be an even balance between the two.
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