Self Reliance

At various moments in “Self-Reliance,” Emerson discusses authority. Where does Emerson locate authority in human society? How do societal institutions fit into the system of authority that Emerson prizes?

Emerson presents individualism and self-expression as universally positive concepts. He does not consider any drawbacks to each individual being completely self-reliant. What are some possible flaws in Emerson’s logic and philosophy in this regard?

Emerson uses only male pronouns in the essay. Do you think his philosophy and emphasis on self-reliance extend beyond men, or is it a male privilege to devote one’s life to self-reliance? (Hint: Think about the gendered norms of the mid-19th century. Women did not yet have the right to vote but already acted in critical activist roles in the temperance movement, abolition movement, and more.)