Ralph Waldo Emerson, John Winthrop, And Benjamin Franklin

What is the ideal mode of life? Society has the difficult decision between valuing the individual or the community as a whole more. Will society benefit more by focusing on the individual perfecting himself or herself and staying true to who they are, or will we benefit more by conforming to the ways of the community? This question has been asked for multiple years and several different answers have been given. Three American writers who have discussed this topic are Ralph Waldo Emerson, John Winthrop, and Benjamin Franklin. Each author has a different view over this subject. Emerson believes someone should not conform to his or her society, while Winthrop believes conformity is what will benefit society; Franklin on the other hand believes in a mix of both. Between all three, Franklin’s idea of a fusion between Emerson’s and Winthrop’s ideal modes of life is the proper balance to create a efficient and affective society. In Ralph Waldo Emerson’s piece â⠂¬Å"Self Reliance†, he discusses the idea that one should not conform to their society and remain true to oneself. Emerson claims those that rely on other people’s ideas are cowardly and lack creativity. In his piece Emerson discusses how youth are self-reliant and maturing becomes a process of conforming. He discusses how youth have their own standards and once the youth reaches adulthood all they are concerned with is the approval of others and their reputation amongst their peers. Between the two age groups, their twoShow MoreRelated1.) What Principles Do Franklin And Thoreau Propose For1340 Words   |  6 Pages1.) What principles do Franklin and Thoreau propose for the conduct of life? To what extent do their principles agree? Benjamin Franklin and Ralph Waldo Emerson propose certain principles for the conduct of life. Franklin is very clear in his proposed principles for life, as he clearly states them in his â€Å"The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin†. One of his main principles is the concept of hard work. Franklin believes that the best way to succeed in life is to work hard. Hard work is a key elementRead MoreBrief Survey of American Literature3339 Words   |  14 PagesAmerican / American Indian oral literature / oral tradition creation storiesï ¼Ë†Ã¨ µ ·Ã¦ º Ã§ ¥Å¾Ã¨ ¯ Ã¯ ¼â€° trickster talesï ¼Ë†Ã¦  ¶Ã¤ ½Å"å‰ §Ã¨â‚¬â€¦Ã¤ ¼  Ã¥ ¥â€¡Ã¯ ¼â€° rituals / ceremoniesï ¼Ë†Ã¥â€¦ ¸Ã¤ » ªÃ¯ ¼â€° songs / chantsï ¼Ë†Ã¦â€º ²Ã¨ ¯ Ã¯ ¼â€° Anglo Settlers’ Writings Highly religious and pragmatic - John Smith, founder of Jamestown, Virginia; Pocahontas - John Winthrop, â€Å"A Model of Christian Charity†: â€Å"†¦ We shall be as a city upon a hill. The eyes of all people are upon us†¦Ã¢â‚¬  - William Bradford, Of Plymouth Plantation (1630-50, pub. 1856) - Anne Bradstreet (1612-1672), TheRead MoreThe History of American Literature3501 Words   |  15 Pagestheir voyages to the continent. Italian explorer Amerigo Vespucci provided some of the earliest European descriptions of the American continent. Before 1600 Sir Walter Raleigh, Richard Hakluyt, Thomas Harriot, and John White had published accounts of discoveries. The writings of Captain John Smith, an explorer whose travels took him up and down the eastern seaboard of America, represent a shift from exploration narrative toward early history. Early histories, however, were written mostly by settlersRead MoreAmerican Revolution and Study Guide Essay example5377 Words   |  22 Pagesthe validity of democracy developing in colonial America Pocahontas Anne Hutchinson Benjamin Franklin Royal veto John Rolfe Roger Williams George Whitefield Lord Baltimore William Bradford John Peter Zenger Virtual representation Walter Raleigh John Winthrop Paxton boys James Oglethorpe Puritans Triangular trade First Continental Congress John Smith Separatists Molasses Act Sugar Act Francis Drake Pilgrims Scots-Irish