Comparing Emerson And Henry David Thoreau

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In a world where bigotry, peer pressure, and incertitude circulates around society, a person can soon turn a blinds eye from who they truly are. The intention of wanting to emulate others or the desire to be liked by everyone can cause a person's mind to lead them to believe that he or she is someone other than what God has made them to be. This idea is known as conformity. A conformist is one who follows traditional standards of conducts, regardless of one’s own personal beliefs and morals. Dealing with the various societal struggles without influence of others and leading a non-conformed life is the key to succeeding in the world. Two of the most prominent advocators of leading a non-conformed life, Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau, advise society to follow the ideas of being themselves in order to live meaningful lives. A nonconformist is a person who goes against crowd and does not abide by the societal norms. Due to their different set of standards, they perceive the world in a much more unique way and fail to understand the reason why people would want to conform to the typical beliefs of the people who surround them. Thinking for oneself can apply to any type of situation
People subconsciously forget the need of more leaders of their own life and begin to follow the lives of others. Thoreau's test of going out into nature caused him to realize a significant aspect of life. Thoreau believes that people should always follow their goals and "If one advances confidently in the direction of his dreams, [one] will be met with a success" (Thoreau Walden 204). Thoreau is stressing the point of going after your dreams despite not knowing where it might lead one. Having confidence and pride in one's self fades out the doubt of what may happen in the future. Remaining adamant about a dream leads to that person eliminating the need to rely on others for

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