April 21, 2012

A 200 Years old essay which Youth should read- "Self Reliance" by Emerson

200 Years ago, people used to write on simple note-book. A small essay called "Self-Reliance", was written 200 Years ago by Emerson. The Essay lives on even today after 200 years.

This essay, has liberated many people from fear of "What other people will say". It liberated many people and made them realize that they are indeed a "unique person and they have some features which no one else has". Different paragraphs in the essay gives different meanings to people in accordance with their nature.

When I read this essay 40 Years ago, two things from the essay went straight into my mind.

(1) The people whom we admire as Greats or Leaders, are saying nothing new. They are only saying those things which were already in our hearts. The only difference is, we did not dare to speak, whereas they stood up and said it out loudly. This made them Great or Leader. If we have courage to say what is in our heart, then there is no difference between them and us.

(2) An ordinary man can see farms that are ploughed and buildings which are built. But an intelligent person can see farms which are yet not yet ploughed and buildings which are yet to be built.

What you read and understand in young age, builds up your mind. At later age, you cannot easily grasp a new thought.

If you are still young, and if you get chance, and time, try to glance through this essay on net. Better to read (study) in a book. It may struck a different chord in you.

The essay has only 5 to 6 pages. But it has given light to many minds in last 200 years.

Haresh Raichura
21/4/2012