Self-Reliance

Emerson writes that the only way to succeed is to reject society's traditions and work only for yourself. He says that consistancy is unimportant if the change is how you really feel, because to worry about consistancy is to put another's opinion before your own. Even if family disagrees with your beliefs, it doesn't matter because technically everyone is family if you go back far enough. In describing travel, he says that there is no use in travelling if it is only for pleasure because you will get nothing out of it that you didn't already have.

I disagree with what her writes. Success is far more complex than working for yourself to get ahead. Because we live in a social society, there is no way to succeed without respecting the beliefs and traditions of others. You can still disagree with them, but if you want to advance in society, you have to be able to see the basis for their opinions. In a work enviornment, if you offend the boss, you will soon be out of work. If you are unreasonable in social situations, no one will take you seriously, and you will be regarded as a fool.

By putting yourself first in every situation, you lose contacts and relationships, which are essential to getting ahead. Regardless of your knowledge in a subject, there will always be someone who knows more. You have to allow yourself to listen and take their advice or condemn yourself to ignorance and risk losing all that you have built. You can never fully reject the wisdom of your ancestors because without their contributions, the next innovations would be impossible.