Author
Ralph Waldo Emerson
3 reading cards from 1 book · 1841.
3 cards
Eseuri · 1841
To be authentic in a conformist world is a major achievement.
Emerson observes that society constantly pressures the individual to conform, to adopt the tastes, opinions, and values of the majority. Staying true to your own nature in this context is not a passive act but an active struggle. For example, a teenager who refuses to follow fashion or believe what all their friends believe just to be accepted is fighting exactly this battle.
“To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.”
Eseuri · 1841
Clinging to an old position out of fear of appearing inconsistent is a sign of a small mind.
Emerson attacks the idea that you must always remain faithful to your earlier opinions, even when you have learned something new. A 'small mind' clings to consistency out of fear of appearing unserious or confused. In reality, changing your mind when new evidence appears is a sign of intelligence and flexibility. For example, a scientist who revises their theory based on new data is not inconsistent but honest.
“A foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of little minds.”
Eseuri · 1841
Without paying the real price, you get a substitute, not the desired thing.
Emerson says you cannot obtain something without paying its price—whether in time, effort, money, or sacrifice. If you try to cut corners or take a shortcut, what you get is not the thing you wanted but a substitute. For example, someone who wants a deep relationship but does not invest time and vulnerability will not have a deep relationship, but a superficial one, even if they think they 'saved' time.
“Every thing has its price, and if that price is not paid, not that thing but something else is obtained.”