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

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.

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

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

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.

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

What is ironic about Emerson's quote that "[Man] dares not to say 'I think, I am,' but quotes some saint or sage"?

• Emerson himself evokes the presence of that of a saint or sage through his quotable, aphoristic style.

• Emerson intends to mean the opposite of this statement (verbal irony).

• Emerson is setting us up to believe that we need to be self-reliant, but he actually intends us to rely on God.

• Emerson himself admits that he developed his understanding of self-reliance by basing his work on the works of others.

Which of the following is not one of the four areas where Emerson claims, in the third section (pages 11-15), that self-reliance is most needed?

• Religion

• Art

• Culture

• School

What is the main theme of Emerson's Self-Reliance?

• Authority and obedience

• Collectivism and collaboration

• Individualism and self-trust

• Conformity and dependence

What does Emerson say about society and self-reliance?

• Emerson believed that society often hinders individual growth and that true fulfillment comes from relying on oneself rather than conforming to societal norms.

• Emerson believed that society and self-reliance are equally important for individual growth and fulfillment.

• Emerson believed that society is necessary for individual growth and that conforming to societal norms is the key to true fulfillment.

• Emerson believed that self-reliance is overrated and that individuals should always rely on society for guidance.