Conformity Vs. Nonconformity

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      Emerson on man and nonconformity In his essay "Self-Reliance," Emerson argues that individuals should trust their own intuition and judgment, rather than blindly following the crowd. He writes: "Trust thyself: every heart vibrates to that iron string. Accept the place the divine providence has found for you, the society of your contemporaries, the connection of events. Great men have always done so, and confided themselves childlike to the genius of their age, betraying their perception that the Eternal was stirring at their heart, working through their hands, pioneered by the best of their time." Emerson believed that it is especially important for individuals to nonconform when it comes to matters of religion and morality. He argued that people should not simply accept the beliefs that have been handed down to them, but should instead question and examine them for themselves. Thoreau on man and nonconformity Thoreau's book Walden is a celebration of nonconformity and the simple life. In one famous passage, he writes: "If a man does not keep pace with his companions, perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer. Let him step to the music which he hears, however measured or far away." Thoreau believed that individuals should be willing to march to the beat of their own drum, even if it means going against the grain. He was also critical of the materialistic and conformist society in which he lived. Obstacles to nonconformity Both Emerson and Thoreau recognized that there are obstacles that can prevent people from being true to themselves. One of the biggest obstacles is the pressure to conform to social expectations. People are often afraid of being judged or rejected by others if they are different. Another obstacle to nonconformity is the fear of uncertainty. It takes courage to question the status quo and to forge your own path in life. It also takes courage to be alone and to go against the crowd. The path to the pond The path that Thoreau wore between his house and the pond is a symbol of his nonconformity. He chose to live a simple life in the wilderness, away from the materialism and conformity of society. The path to the pond represents his journey of self-discovery and his commitment to living life on his own terms. Thoreau's definition of success Thoreau defined success in terms of living a simple and authentic life. He was not interested in material wealth or social status. Instead, he valued his freedom to think for himself and to live according to his own values. Thoreau's story of the beautiful bug Thoreau's story of the beautiful bug is a parable about the importance of nonconformity. The bug is different from all the other bugs, but it is also the most beautiful. Thoreau writes: "I am not sure what it was, whether a beetle or a butterfly, or perhaps a non-descript insect, which flew into my room and circled blindly around the candle before it fell on the floor. As I was about to pick it up, I wondered if it was a new species which had been brought here by the wind, or if it was indeed a native of these regions. On examination, I found it to be a very beautiful insect, with large, iridescent wings and a body of the most delicate green. I had never seen anything like it before." Thoreau's story teaches us that it is important to appreciate the unique and the different. It also teaches us that we should not be afraid to be ourselves, even if we are different from everyone else. Conclusion Emerson and Thoreau's writings on conformity and nonconformity are still relevant today. We live in a society that often values conformity over individuality. However, it is important to remember that nonconformity is essential for progress and innovation. It is also essential for living a fulfilling and authentic life. Here are some additional thoughts on the topic:

• Emerson and Thoreau believed that nonconformity is not only a right, but a responsibility. They believed that individuals have a duty to question the status quo and to work for the betterment of society.
• Emerson and Thoreau also believed that nonconformity is not about being difficult or rebellious. It is about being true to oneself and living a life of integrity.

Emerson and Thoreau's writings on conformity and nonconformity have inspired generations of activists, artists, and thinkers. Their work continues to be a powerful reminder that we should not be afraid to march to the beat of our own drum.  

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