We all sometimes feel just so damn different from others. Like strangers in a strange land. And we are. All of us are different. All of us are unique. And that’s a good thing – I’m studying this concept in my analysis/attempted discussion of “Self-Reliance” by Ralph Waldo Emerson. But… at the same time, we…
You Didn’t Build That : General Thoughts on Self-Reliance by Ralph Waldo Emerson : 000
I had a huge misconception of what Self-Reliance by Ralph Waldo Emerson is about. As I go through it, I’m leaning that self-reliance isn’t about being “self-made” or “pulling yourself up by your own bootstraps” or “doing it on your own.” We Americans still seem to really love to look up to people that we…
The 40% Rule : Self-Reliance by Ralph Waldo Emerson : 004
Continuing our discussion of “Self-Reliance” by Ralph Waldo Emerson. “There is a time in every man’s education when he arrives at the conviction that envy is ignorance; that imitation is suicide; that he must take himself for better, for worse, as his portion; that though the wide universe is full of good, no kernel of…
Tracy, Lizzie, and Weird Al – Original and Not Conventional : Self-Reliance by Ralph Waldo Emerson : 003
Continuing our discussion of “Self-Reliance” by Ralph Waldo Emerson. “I read the other day some verses written by an eminent painter which were original and not conventional. The soul always hears an admonition in such lines, let the subject be what it may. The sentiment they instill is of more value than any thought they…
Growing Strong : Self-Reliance by Ralph Waldo Emerson : 002
Continuing our discussion of “Self-Reliance” by Ralph Waldo Emerson. Cast the bantling on the rocks, Suckle him with the she-wolf’s teat; Wintered with the hawk and fox, Power and speed be hands and feet. I had to look up what a bantling was. It’s “a very young child.” Emerson wants us to throw this child on the…
Acceptance : Self-Reliance by Ralph Waldo Emerson : 001
[Just joining the discussion? Feel free to check out the introductory post.] “Man is his own star; and the soul that can Render an honest and a perfect man, Commands all light, all influence, all fate; Nothing to him falls early or too late. Our acts our angels are, or good or ill, Our fatal…
Seek Inside Yourself : Self-Reliance by Ralph Waldo Emerson : 000
“Do not seek outside yourself.” That’s the opening line of “Self-Reliance” by Ralph Waldo Emerson. In the work itself it’s in Latin and in quotes; I don’t know why, and it’s not important right now. I finally read the full essay over the past week or so, and I’m kicking myself for not putting in the time…
Voting For Yourself (like you live in Chicago)
For a few months now, I’ve been using an app called “Randomly RemindMe.” I’ve set it up so that, up to 20 times a day, my phone will pop a message up containing a short, useful bit of wisdom. Here are some examples of short phrases I’ve used: Forward Into Growth Good Bring It On!…
Obligatory New Year’s Day Post
Blah blah blah full of promise. Blah blah blah anything is possible. Blah blah blah you can do it! … No. Being jaded isn’t any more helpful than being unrealistic. It’s just as much of a shield for our stupid little egos as Pollyannaism. Every time someone says “I’m going to [insert creating a better…
You *Can’t* Do Whatever You Set Your Mind To
This message is sponsored by Reality. You can’t do whatever you set your mind to. You don’t have “infinite potential”. You aren’t going to be successful at whatever you try. Can’t, Don’t, and Aren’t (Oh My!) Them’s some dirty words among personal development gurus. But here’s a little more from our friend Reality. Your potential may…