Ralph Waldo Emerson Maxims from "Self-Reliance"

Ralph Waldo Emerson, a leading figure in the transcendentalist

movement, expressed profound and often unconventional views on
individualism, self-reliance, and the relationship between individuals and
society.

1. Speak your latent conviction, and it shall be the universal sense

2. Society everywhere is in conspiracy against the manhood of every
one of its members.
3. Nothing is at last sacred but the integrity of your own mind
4. My life is for itself and not for a spectacle
5. A foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of little minds, adored by
little statesmen and philosophers and divines
6. An institution is the lengthened shadow of one man
7. Life only avails, not the having lived
8. Insist on yourself; never imitate.
9. The civilized man has built a coach, but has lost the use of his feet.
Here is an explanation of what Emerson means by the following
quotes:

"Speak your latent conviction, and it shall be the universal sense"

Emerson is encouraging people to be true to themselves and to speak their

minds, even if their ideas are unpopular. He believes that true wisdom
and understanding come from within, and that by sharing our own unique
perspectives, we can help others to see the world in new ways.

"Society everywhere is in conspiracy against the manhood of every one of

its members"

Emerson is critiquing societal conformity and the pressure that

individuals feel to conform to the expectations of others. He believes that
this pressure can stifle creativity and prevent people from realizing their
full potential.

"Nothing is at last sacred but the integrity of your own mind"

Emerson is emphasizing the importance of intellectual integrity and

staying true to one's own beliefs, even when they are challenged. He
believes that it is more important to be true to oneself than to please
others or fit in with the crowd.

"My life is for itself and not for a spectacle"

Emerson is encouraging people to live their lives for themselves, rather

than trying to impress others. He believes that true happiness comes from
living a life of authenticity and purpose, regardless of what others think.

"A foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of little minds, adored by little

statesmen and philosophers and divines"

Emerson is criticizing the tendency of people to cling to their beliefs out

of fear of change or contradiction. He believes that true wisdom comes
from being open to new ideas and perspectives, and that it is okay to
change one's mind when presented with new evidence.

Emerson critiques the blind adherence to consistency for its own sake,
particularly when it lacks wisdom. He suggests that rigid consistency can
be a hindrance and is often favored by narrow-minded individuals,
whether in politics, philosophy, or religion.

"An institution is the lengthened shadow of one man"

Emerson is suggesting that institutions are often shaped by the ideas and
values of a single person or group of people. He believes that it is
important to be aware of the history and origins of institutions, and to
question their authority when necessary.

"Life only avails, not the having lived"

Emerson is emphasizing the importance of living a meaningful life, rather

than simply living for the sake of living. He believes that true fulfillment
comes from making a difference in the world and leaving a positive
impact on others.

"Insist on yourself; never imitate"

Emerson is encouraging people to be true to themselves and to not be

afraid to stand out from the crowd. He believes that true originality comes
from being oneself, and that imitation will only lead to mediocrity.

"The civilized man has built a coach, but has lost the use of his feet"

Emerson is criticizing the way that modern society has become reliant on
technology and has lost touch with the natural world. He believes that
true progress comes from balance and that we should not sacrifice our
connection to nature for the sake of convenience.