Self-Reliance and Other Essays (Dover Thrift Editions: Philosophy)

Faulkner’s quip is often held to refer to the American South; a land where the sense of history and tradition run so deep that we are still solving the problems of the 1870s. But it might also be said of Emerson. He was dismissive of the rote education of his day, which emphasized learning dead languages, along with the dates and biographies of notable persons. What he wanted instead was a living absorption of history. Confident that every man has the capacity to be a Caesar within him, the reader of the Commentaries should feel immersed in the courage, temperance and leadership of the Roman general. Similarly, we might read the life of Antony to understand moral purity or Washington to learn the virtues of a modern Cincinnatus. In the penultimate essay Emerson goes so far as to say that Aristotle, Charlemagne and the Buddha are not dead but live on by our continual participation in their spirit. And, while our materialist age may be dismissive of Transcendentalism, even Einstein was moved by the fact that the laws of physics are true whether time runs forward or backward to utter, “People like us who believe in physics know that the distinction between past, present and future is only a stubbornly persistent illusion.” Who of us can really answer the child’s question of where the past goes? Is Emerson actually irrational in holding on to the continual influence, the persistence of the living past on our present? Questions to ponder as one reads arguably the most elegant stylist of nineteenth century America. I’ve only touched upon the many insights Emerson offers in these essays. My one regret is that I didn’t read them when I was younger. Highly recommended.

This is a great book by one of the smartest guys that ever lived. I love the story about how he was trying to get a cow in the barn and having absolutely no success and the cow was getting more and more stubborn and then a little dairy girl came and put her finger in the cow's mouth and the cow followed her right into the barn. He said "I like people who can do things" he is a great author

Lately, I have taken a renewed interest in Ralph Waldo Emerson. I have read several of his essays, quotes and poems in the past but I had not read this 117 pages Dover thrift edition (Self-Reliance and other essays by Ralph Waldo Emerson) which I purchased on Amazon for a bargain price. I have also ordered other volumes by Emerson at this time. I was pleased with the quick delivery service. I found this to be a fantastic collection of six essays and one address that I loved reading. The insight and brilliance of Emerson shines in this volume. The essays (from 1841) in this volume includes: History, self-reliance, friendship, and over-soul. From Essays: second series (1844) the poet, experience and the Divinity School address. The very small print does make this book a little hard to read even with reading glasses. I also have a little trouble with Emerson's style of writing; nevertheless, I found this book to be a wonderful read. If you are interested in an interesting and historical important writer, philosopher and poet you may want to check out this volume and other writings of Ralph Waldo Emerson. Rating: 4 Stars. Joseph J. Truncale (Author: Zen Poetry Moments: Haiku and Senryu for special occasions).

Great book, every man should have a copy on their library.

His thinking helps stretch my mind. As I reread his words in this edition, I was again inspired. One of my favorite of his essays, Over soul, was not included. But I was glad to reread TBE ones chosen.

Great book. The many different essays were a delight to read. Reading literature from earlier times gives us insight of where we've been and where we're going

While the text contains some real gems of Emersonian thought (i.e. Divinity School Address and Self-Reliance) it is not an adequate representation of his better works, leaving out "Nature," "The American Scholar" and other more important and influential essays. I, personally, order this text for my Freshman English classes because it's cheap and gives two exemplary representations of Emerson for a survey course; however, if you are looking for a total package text that reflects what Emerson is capable of as a writer and thinker, you are better off investing a little more money and picking up a Norton or Library of America Edition of his works.

Have not read this yet

Found this book hard to get through.

This book, especially the essay self reliance has brought a profound change in me. If you are some one who is very innocent or naive, this book will be your life saver. The language is a bit tough. Trust me, read at least the essay self reliance regardless of it's language and you'll thank me. You'll no more be a socital sheep blinded by superstitious beliefs. Self Reliance will make you listen to your inner divinity rather than going through any religious book. It is sure to change your way of thinking. The message is very much needed for us to believe in ourselves.

a great book that was referred to me

This book is a classic - opens your mind to new ideas and breaking social barriers. Perfect for anyone who wants to break outside the norms. (This published copy however is not beautiful, the material/finished product is of low quality)

Non ho trovato gli altri essays molto interessanti. Tuttavia self reliance è di una brillantezza unica. Manifesto dell'individualismo americano e di altri principi e valori intrinsechi alla cultura a stelle e strisce. Chi ha la possibilità di leggerlo in lingua originale, ne vale lo sforzo anche per chi magari fatica con un testo del genere