Ralph Waldo Emerson - "Self-Reliance"

How does Emerson define "genius"?

• To have all of the knowledge in the world
• To believe your own thoughts and follow your intuition
• To practice generosity
• To become acquainted with the natural world

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What is the point of the comparison Emerson makes between the kernel of corn and human effort?

• You must work hard to nurture vegetable crops, just as you must work hard to achieve your potential.
• People cannot survive without food, so we must all work very hard. 
• As corn grows slowly, so it takes a long time for people to realize their potential. 
• A kernel of corn is very small and hard to see. In a similar way, our potential is often hidden and hard to see.

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What is Emerson’s overall perspective on society?

• Society helps people achieve their potential.

• We must accept society’s rules.

• Society is all that stands between us and the forces of chaos.

• Society conspires to deny people their individual freedoms.

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Emerson states that the most sacred part of a person is —

• the work that they accomplish
• the integrity of their individual mind
• their courage to be a nonconformist
• the shadow that they cast on the world

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Emerson says we are “ashamed of that divine idea which each of us represents" (1). Which of the following items best describes what he means by “that divine idea”?

• An image of the world

• God

• Each person’s unique character, as conceived by God

• A wonderful and exciting plan of action

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The tone of Emerson’s essay is best described as —

• neutral
• despairing
• uplifting
• gloomy

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What is the best paraphrase for "Trust thyself; every heart vibrates to that iron string" (2)?

• Follow your instinct; it's where good art comes from.

• Follow your instinct; all people flourish when following this advice because it's such a steadfast fact of nature.

• Follow your instinct; everyone is depending on you.

• Follow your instinct; God is the iron string that connects us all.

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Which of the following quotes best supports Emerson's views on youth?

• The nonchalance of boys who are sure of a dinner, and would disdain as much as a lord to do or say aught to conciliate one, is the healthy attitude of human nature.
• The sculpture in the memory is not without preestablished harmony.
• Accept the place the divine providence has found for you, the society of your contemporaries, the connection of the events.
• He who would gather immortal palms must not be hindered by the name of goodness, but must explore if it be goodness.

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What does Emerson deduce is the self-reliant person's obligation to the poor?

• To feed and nourish them
• To pray for them
• To share with them your wisdom
• No obligation unless you know and respect them

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What does Emerson mean when he says "virtues are...rather the exception than the rule" (3)?

• Virtues are a second line of defense in human morality.
• Virtues are the same for all people
• Virtues limit our desire/ability to act according to our own instincts.
• Virtues help keep the world in order

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