The Long and Violent War Against Your Soul

Summary

The video script explores the concept of 'Self-Reliance' through the lens of Ralph Waldo Emerson's essay, emphasizing the importance of trusting one's instincts and rejecting societal conformity. It argues for a life guided by personal authenticity and continuous self-improvement, rather than external validation. The script also critiques the dangers of consistency and the societal pressure to conform, advocating for an individualistic approach to life that can lead to true fulfillment and personal growth.

Takeaways

• 🌐 The video discusses the importance of self-reliance in an age where external influences can obscure our sense of self.
• 📚 Ralph Waldo Emerson's essay 'Self-Reliance' is highlighted as a guide to trusting one's instincts and rejecting conformity.
• 🧭 Emerson's philosophy emphasizes that our own hearts and souls should guide us through life, rather than external forces.
• 🔪 The metaphor of intuition as a sword is used to illustrate the need to hone our instincts to cut through societal pressures.
• 🎭 The video contrasts the greatness of historical figures like Plato and Shakespeare, who defied tradition and conformed to their own inner genius.
• 🤔 Emerson encourages us to embrace self-trust, self-criticism, and receptiveness, rather than blindly following societal norms.
• 🚫 The dangers of consistency for the sake of conformity are outlined, suggesting it can inhibit personal growth and authenticity.
• 💡 The idea that our actions and words are temporary representations of our soul, which is the true essence of who we are.
• 🌱 The video suggests that embracing self-reliance can lead to a more profound and fulfilling existence, rather than seeking external validation.
• 🌟 The power of individualism is celebrated as a source of beauty and strength in society, as opposed to the monotony of conformity.
• 🌱 The video concludes by emphasizing that self-reliance is a personal journey, accessible to all, and not dependent on external approval or recognition.

Q & A

What is the main theme of the video?

The main theme of the video is the concept of self-reliance, as discussed by Ralph Waldo Emerson, emphasizing the importance of trusting one's own instincts and rejecting conformity.

What does the video suggest about the dangers of conforming to external forces?

The video suggests that conforming to external forces, such as brands, group think, and trend cycles, erodes our individuality and authenticity, turning us into passive recipients of external influences rather than active agents of our own lives.

Who is Ralph Waldo Emerson and what is his contribution to the concept of self-reliance?

Ralph Waldo Emerson was a 19th-century writer and philosopher known for his essay 'Self-Reliance.' He extols the virtues of trusting one's own instincts and faith in oneself, rejecting conformity and the need to adhere to societal norms.

What does Emerson mean by 'self-reliance' in his essay?

Emerson's 'self-reliance' is a belief that our own hearts and souls can guide us successfully through life. It is not about acting solely on one's whims but about a fundamental shift in how we perceive, process, and appreciate the world around us.

How does the video relate Emerson's concept of self-reliance to the idea of 'genius'?

The video suggests that Emerson sees our instincts as a type of genius that cannot be captured by hard data or material results. This genius is powerful because it is ours and it is whole, guiding us to act authentically and independently.

What is the role of 'self-trust' in Emerson's philosophy?

Self-trust is central to Emerson's philosophy of self-reliance. It involves being in tune with our instincts and intuitions, rejecting values held out of conformity or dogma, and embarking on an eternal quest for a more authentic wisdom.

How does the video discuss the impact of societal conformity on individual growth?

The video discusses that societal conformity inhibits individual growth by dulling our instincts and our ability to listen to our own internal guidance. It suggests that we must sharpen our instincts to overcome these societal pressures.

What is the video's stance on the idea of consistency in character?

The video, through Emerson's lens, criticizes the idea of consistency in character as it can inhibit growth and change. Emerson famously states that consistency is the hobgoblin of little minds, suggesting that it is more important to be true to oneself than to adhere to a consistent persona.

How does the video address the concept of 'charity' in the context of Emerson's self-reliance?

The video clarifies that Emerson is not against charity but against the institutionalization of good deeds. He rejects the idea that we must be forced to charity out of obligation or societal pressure, advocating instead for acts of kindness that are genuine and directed by one's own soul.

What is the video's final message regarding the pursuit of self-reliance?

The final message is that self-reliance is not easy but it is accessible. It involves a constant process of self-trust, self-criticism, and receptiveness to new ideas. It is about changing internally and existing authentically in the world, rather than seeking external validation.

Outlines

00:00

🌏 The Perils of Conformity and the Power of Self-Reliance

The first paragraph introduces the concept of self-reliance in the context of modern society's overwhelming influence. It discusses the struggle to maintain individuality amidst external pressures like branding and groupthink. The paragraph references Ralph Waldo Emerson's essay 'Self-Reliance,' emphasizing the importance of trusting one's instincts and intuition over societal conformity. Emerson's philosophy is portrayed as a means to resist the erosion of self by external forces and to pursue an authentic life guided by personal experience rather than passive acceptance of societal norms.

05:00

🛡️ The Armor of Individual Genius Against Societal Conformity

This paragraph delves deeper into Emerson's 'Self-Reliance,' highlighting the idea that true greatness comes from individual genius rather than imitation or conformity. It suggests that society's insistence on uniformity stifles personal growth and authenticity. The summary also touches on the fleeting nature of external rewards and the enduring value of self-authenticity. Emerson's view on charity is also explored, advocating for genuine acts of kindness driven by personal conviction rather than societal obligation.

10:01

🔍 The Importance of Self-Criticism and Receptiveness in Self-Reliance

The third paragraph examines the role of self-criticism and openness to new ideas within the framework of self-reliance. It argues against the societal demand for consistency, which Emerson views as a hindrance to growth. The summary points out that a person's true character is not expressed through their actions alone but through their inner soul, which should be in alignment with their actions. The paragraph encourages embracing change and resisting the pressure to conform to societal expectations.

15:03

🌱 Nurturing the Soul's Genius for Personal Growth

This paragraph focuses on the nurturing of one's innate genius and the dangers of societal conformity that can stifle it. It discusses the importance of being receptive to new thoughts and experiences, as well as the need for self-criticism to ensure continuous personal evolution. The summary emphasizes the beauty of individuality in the natural world as a metaphor for human society, suggesting that diversity of thought and action is essential for a vibrant and dynamic world.

20:05

🚀 The Journey of Self-Reliance Toward Personal Greatness

The fifth paragraph discusses the journey of self-reliance as a means to achieve personal greatness. It addresses the misconceptions about charity and the importance of genuine goodness that comes from within. The summary highlights Emerson's belief in the power of self-criticism and the need to abandon old ideas for new ones, suggesting that self-reliance is not about being infallible but about being open to growth and change.

25:06

🎥 Movie: A Curated Experience in Global Cinema

The final paragraph shifts focus to the movie streaming service, highlighting its dedication to showcasing a diverse range of films from around the world. The summary provides an example of a film featured on the platform, 'Popeye the Sailor Meets Sinbad the Sailor,' and invites viewers to try the service for free. The paragraph emphasizes the curated nature of the content and the unique cinematic experiences available to viewers.

Keywords

💡Self-reliance

Self-reliance, as discussed by Ralph Waldo Emerson in the 19th century, is the idea of trusting one's own instincts and beliefs to guide oneself successfully through life. It is central to the video's theme, which emphasizes the importance of individualism and authenticity over conformity and external validation. The script mentions Emerson's essay 'Self-reliance,' where he encourages rejecting conformity and embracing one's own genius.

💡Conformity

Conformity is the act of complying with the norms or expectations of society, often at the expense of individuality. The video criticizes conformity as it inhibits personal growth and authenticity. The script uses the term to describe societal pressures that dull one's intuition and individual genius, urging viewers to resist these pressures and remain true to themselves.

💡Intuition

Intuition is the ability to understand or know something immediately, without the need for conscious reasoning. In the context of the video, intuition is portrayed as a powerful internal guide that should be honed and trusted. The script likens intuition to a sword that, when sharpened, can cut through societal pressures and reveal one's true path.

💡Individualism

Individualism is the idea that each person is an independent entity with unique thoughts, feelings, and experiences. The video promotes individualism as a means to resist societal herd mentality and to embrace one's own genius. The script contrasts individualism with the dangers of groupthink and the loss of personal identity.

💡Authenticity

Authenticity refers to the state of being true to one's own personality, spirit, or character, without pretending to be something else. The video encourages authenticity as a way to live a fulfilling life, emphasizing that acting in accordance with one's true self leads to peace and self-fulfillment. The script discusses the importance of being true to one's own experiences and intuitions.

💡Genius

In the video, genius is not just about intellectual prowess but also about the unique, innate potential within each individual to achieve greatness. The script suggests that everyone possesses a 'sublime genius' that is more than just material success or recognition; it is about acting in a way that is true to one's own nature and experiences.

💡Conformity's Inhibition

The term 'Conformity's Inhibition' refers to the negative impact that societal norms and expectations can have on an individual's ability to think and act independently. The video uses this concept to highlight how adherence to conformity can stifle creativity, personal growth, and the pursuit of one's own path. The script warns against the dulling of one's 'blade' or intuition due to societal pressures.

💡Society's Conspiracy

Society's Conspiracy, as mentioned in the script, is the idea that societal structures and norms work together to suppress individuality and enforce uniformity. The video discusses this concept to critique the way society can discourage self-reliance and authenticity, instead promoting a culture of compliance and acceptance of external judgments.

💡Receptiveness

Receptiveness in the context of the video refers to the ability to be open to new ideas, experiences, and perspectives. It is a key aspect of self-reliance, as it allows for personal growth and the evolution of one's beliefs and values. The script encourages viewers to be receptive to new thoughts and to avoid becoming stagnant in their thinking.

💡Consistency

Consistency, as discussed in the video, is often seen as a virtue but is portrayed as a limitation in the pursuit of self-reliance. The script argues that being consistent can hinder personal growth and the ability to adapt to new experiences and ideas. It suggests that true self-reliance involves the flexibility to change and evolve, rather than adhering rigidly to past beliefs or actions.

💡Charity

Charity, in the context of the video, is examined critically as an act that should not be performed out of obligation or for public recognition. The script distinguishes between genuine acts of kindness, which stem from an individual's soul and convictions, and the institutionalized expectation of charity, which can be insincere and self-serving.

Highlights

Muie is a curated streaming service dedicated to elevating great cinema from around the globe.

In the Information Age, it's difficult to know ourselves due to external influences like brands and group think.

Emerson's essay 'Self-Reliance' promotes the virtues of instinct and faith in oneself, rejecting conformity and consistency.

Self-reliance is a belief that our hearts and souls can guide us successfully through life.

Emerson's concept of self-reliance is not about acting on every whim, but about a fundamental shift in perceiving the world.

Emerson encourages us to be in tune with our instincts and reject values held out of conformity or dogma.

Emerson's idea is that no external knowledge can nourish us unless we till our own plot of ground.

Our instincts are a type of genius that cannot be captured by hard data or material results.

Emerson suggests that our intuition, like a sword, can cut through oppressive forces if maintained and sharpened.

The world demands conformity, but Emerson urges us to listen to our own internal guidance.

Emerson argues that imitating others only allows us to borrow their talent, not own it.

Emerson believes that embracing self-trust and reception allows us to experience the world more profoundly.

External stimuli are fleeting and cannot provide lasting peace; acting true to ourselves can.

Society often conspires against individuality, promoting conformity over personal growth.

Emerson warns against the illusion of consistency, stating that it inhibits growth and makes us slaves to old ideas.

Emerson suggests that we should be open to new ideas and not anchor ourselves with stale ones.

Self-reliance involves self-trust, self-criticism, and receptiveness to new ideas.

Emerson emphasizes that we should live by our own law and not be swayed by societal norms or institutions.

Emerson's self-reliance is not about being always right, but about being open to always being right by trusting our instincts.

Emerson encourages us to be receptive to counterarguments and recognize the validity of opposing ideas.

Emerson's concept of self-reliance is not just a global prescription but an individual one, encouraging internal change.

Muie offers a diverse range of films, including the 1936 animated short 'Popeye the Sailor Meets Sinbad the Sailor'.

Transcripts

this video is brought to you by muie a

curated streaming service dedicated to

elevating great Cinema from all around

the

globe in our Information Age it has

become obscenely difficult to know

ourselves we are inundated by Brands

group think Trend cycles and material

rewards so often when we ask why we are

doing things our answer points to some

external Force this is incredibly

dangerous the more we act on behalf of

others the more we erode

ourselves we no longer exist as

mountains but as sand dunes happy to

shift and mutate by The Winds of a

demanding ocean for each new shape we

are rewarded but we are destroyed after

some 85 years of this destruction we are

at risk to die with an index of

knowledge and beliefs but with a missing

volume on our self our souls remain a

mystery but things do not need to be

this way

in fact acting against this danger is

not easy but it is accessible it is a

change we can

make Ralph Waldo Emerson was a 19th

century writer and philosopher who

penned the essay

selfreliance in this work Emerson extols

the virtues of instinct faith in oneself

and he rejects Concepts like Conformity

and consistency in the most basic terms

self-reliance is a belief that our own

hearts and souls may direct us

successfully through life here we are at

risk for a clumsy obtuse handling of

Emerson's concept Emerson does not

believe every man for himself his idea

is not so concrete as to call for

libertarian leair public policy

furthermore he does not believe that

each individual should act according to

each and every whim that they feel

Emerson's self-reliance is not a blind

faith in ourselves it is not so much a

practical guide for dealing with

everyday material realities but a

fundamental shift in how we perceive

process and appreciate the world around

us Emerson's self-reliance can be

described as a Vigilant strike against

seeing oneself as a finished item we

must be in tune with our instincts and

our intuitions and reject holding on to

values out of Conformity or Dogma we

must embark on an eternal quest to cast

off accepted knowledge in favor of a

more authentic wisdom in favor of a true

reflection of our own

experiences the idea is perhaps said

best if not cryptically when Emerson

writes though the wide universe is full

of good no kernel of nourishing corn can

come to him but through his toil

bestowed on that plot of ground which is

given to him to till we must find our

identities values and even actions from

the labor of experiencing life not from

a passive except acceptance of the

things the world tries to imprint upon

us for Emerson our instincts are a type

of Genius that cannot be captured by

hard data science or even material

results he notes that a man should learn

to detect and watch that gleam of Light

which flashes across his mind from

within more than the luster of the

firmament of BS and

sages we are all gifted with a Sublime

genius we know what we must do what we

want to do what we believe no matter how

hard the world tells us to resist these

impulses acting Faithfully towards our

own senses being faithful to our genius

this is Emerson's

selfreliance imagine your intuition as a

sword when honed sharpened and

maintained it can cut through the most

oppressive forces in our world but

likewise each time we attempt to cut

through these things the world is like a

stone which dulls the blade left

entirely unexamined and unmaintained the

weapon of our own selves becomes blunt

and useless the world demands Conformity

consistency and obedience these are all

Stones which dull our blade which

inhibit our ability to listen to our own

internal guidance but if we can sharpen

our instincts so much that they slice

through these things we can truly

Triumph

Emerson asks where is the poet who

taught Shakespeare when we speak how we

feel and we act according to our own

intuition we Ascend to a new realm of

greatness The Plato and the Shakespeare

of History were not great because they

obeyed tradition and regurgitated

Convention quite the opposite it was the

Bucking of these things which made their

greatness it was the wholesale

prescription to their own Souls Emerson

concludes that if we attempt to imitate

conform or borrow the talent of others

that is all we can do borrow we never

own these qualities and we fail to even

search for what makes us individually

great so instead we should seek our own

individual genius this is not a way to

find out what you can achieve it is the

only

way this genius is powerful precisely

because it is ours and it is whole when

we strike with it as our sword we have

put a lifetime of events Toil and

consideration into our blade

it is tempting to think that Emerson's

self-reliance closes us off to the world

but precisely the opposite is true as we

cast off the insistences of others we

suddenly find ourselves ready to think

any thought to experience any feeling to

live in every moment indeed the mere

idea of thinking for Emerson is to be

receptive to new thoughts nothing

hinders the reception of new thoughts

like the Declaration that our old ones

are final and conclusive

in contrast by embracing self trust and

reception we experience the world much

more profoundly we tune our radar to

cast off group think and instead examine

opinions thoughts and ideas without

regard for Conformity Emerson notes that

fate likes to trick us into thinking we

have found peace he writes a political

Victory a rise of rents the recovery of

your sick or the return of your absent

friend or some other favorable event

raises your spirits and you think good

days are preparing for you do not

believe it external stimuli are fine and

good but they leave as quickly as they

arrive they have very little forward

momentum we can never find peace if our

barometers only operate by fetishizing

Good Fortune but when we act in a way

which is true to ourselves and which

makes us authentically proud of what

we've done we find a piece that is

immune to the fickle Winds of good or

bad luck so here we have the power of

self-re Alliance it is the road to peace

of course the world does not exactly

incentivize this approach to living

quite the opposite so we would be well

served to consider and thereby dismantle

the things which obstruct our

path the world seems to present us with

many rewards for rejecting Emerson's

self-reliance or at least we think it

rewards us but these rewards inhibit our

ability to lead a fulfilled existence

and self-re liance Emerson says there

are the voices which we hear in solitude

but they grow faint and inaudible as we

enter into the world society everywhere

is in conspiracy against the manhood of

every one of its members Society is a

joint stock company in which the members

agree for the better securing of his

bread to each shareholder to surrender

the liberty and culture of the eater The

Virtue in most request is

Conformity indeed this is true today

perhaps more than ever our world is made

up of segments and Brands each insists

that you must accept their judgments and

tastes the trend cycle demands that you

like one thing sections of society be

they left Center or right insist that

you accept their ideology without

question to speak against accepted truth

no matter how authentic you are being to

yourself is to slap these groups in the

face you risk ostracization or outright

penalty thereby we so often encounter

People Media or groups which claim to

know our own Duty more than we ourselves

do as Emerson suggests we should

recognize these as what they are

charlatans when we volunteer our

loyalties and live in accordance with

the tastes of other people this is

something we pay for not with money but

instead with the very thing which makes

us alive with our souls the books of our

Consciousness become as Emerson notes

unreadable

hieroglyphics unfortunately it is

tremendously easy to go through life

this way you will be rewarded socially

and materially for wearing this mask

Concepts like popularity and market

value seem to hinge on Conformity the

world can be an already difficult place

and so it is understandable that we

often go with what is most comfortable

when we obey the imploration of other

people we put on a mask each and every

day the more you wear this mask the

harder it becomes to remove the less you

can recognize your own

reflection Emerson points out that we

often measure our present selves in the

unit of consistency against our past

selves consistency in character is often

said to be virtuous but this simply is

not true in self-reliance Emerson

famously says that consistency is the

hobgoblin of little

Minds as we examine this idea of

consistency we can see that it provides

very little worth it is a tree which we

believe will provide us sustenance and

we wait and care for it season after

season but it still Bears no fruit why

toil for this tree when the world is a

garden Emerson tells us with consistency

a great Soul has simply nothing to do he

may as well concern himself with his

shadow on the wall consistency neuters

growth we become slaves to yesterday

slaves to Old ideas in a world which is

new every day Society moves the World

Turns and so the soul must do the

same external factors antagonize us for

inconsistency another person may tell us

that yesterday we said X but today we

said y this is fine other people as

Emerson notes work only with a limited

set of data they are not privy to the

complicated internal minations and

circumstances which you experience they

know only the words you say and at the

very best the tiniest kernel of your

thoughts but you know the why of each

and everything you do you can see a map

which they cannot in rejecting your

yesterday for your today you will

certainly be misunderstood but who cares

be misunderstood as long as you

understand yourself Emerson further

suggests that if we chase after

consistency we create an illusion which

is tremendously easy to see through he

says the soul is acrostic no matter what

we say or do on a given day our truest

selves look the same from every angle

your soul is not expressed in actions or

words but in a place more mysterious and

profound Emerson writes men imagine that

they communicate their virtue or vice

only by overt actions and do not see

that virtue or vice emit a breath every

moment the things you do and say are

just temporary aesthetic representations

of your soul we are like a ship on

course to its destination the path looks

ragged and zigzagging as we weave around

Coral avoid shallow Waters turn with the

tides and the currents but the further

you get from the ship the more definite

its path becomes this zigzagging route

reveals itself to be a straight line the

soul when it is faithful to itself moves

in a definite consistent Direction which

is more profound than everyday turns and

Tides people tell you what to do and how

to think and what you should believe

reject all of this accepting these

demands spoils your character when we

adopt the views of others without

consideration we become a member of a

herd we lose our state of individuality

we lose our ability to even be a person

while we may be granted some aesthetic

rewards for this sort of acqu Ence we

actually lose our power to act

significantly in the world as we so

proudly brand ourselves with labels and

categories we become abundantly

predictable why should anyone listen to

you speak if they already know what you

will say why should anyone beware your

actions if they already know what you

will

do consider the natural world it is

beautiful because of its individuals on

the ground there's an ant in the sky a

dove land has the wild dogs of Africa

and in the sea PODS of dolphins jumping

with the tides Snowy Mountains balance

tropical beaches and each and everything

is made more beautiful by its opposites

so too is a world full of individuals

the voices of each are music and the

thoughts of everyone are like the ant

the dove the dogs the dolphin but if we

let ourselves become instead a morass of

herds our world becomes repetitive

boring and stale we don't love one

another we love teams and mantras the

world holds billions of individuals but

we are so quick to reduce that number to

three or four the world need not be

armies as Emerson notes we recruit each

to the banner and we become

weaker every opinion has an opposite

which are sometimes equal if we choose

one another will suffer if we choose

another one will suffer we must accept

this as the reality of being every

position brings

opposition all positions are extreme and

All Views require antagonism we need not

rejoice or weep in response to

contradictions the man who is

self-reliant and receptive reaches

conclusions intentionally with

recognition that opposing ideas carry

validity be wary of those groups who

claim their ideas to be perfected this

is an impossible task by being receptive

we can recognize others ideas and even

understand them we can detect their

faults their rewards and understand what

our soul desires to earn and

sacrifice the world likes to hurl

regrets at us as proof for the justness

of its operating procedures for the

rightness of conformity systems and

accepted syntax but do not let this be

proof societal expectations murder our

experiences in life they raise the

stakes and can force us into

despondence we all fail at things we

will inevitably do so when the world

expects us to hit and we miss we sink

into misery but imagine Emerson suggests

the man who is guided only by his own

soul and not by the ethics of the World

undeterred by so-called failure he may

have a dozen careers in his life and

each time he lands like the house cat on

his feet he does not postpone his life

with anxieties about failure nor over

miseries once he has failed instead he

simply

lives in one of his more controversial

moments Emerson takes aim at the idea of

Charity a clumsy reading of

self-reliance would indicate that

Emerson just rejects out write the

notion of charitable Deeds but this is

false in self-reliance he writes there

is a class of persons to whom by all

spiritual Affinity I am bought and sold

for them I will go to prison if need be

it is not charity which he excuses but

the wanton

institutionalization of Good Deeds the

idea that we can pay a tithe and that

alone makes us good people Emerson

rejects the idea that we must be forced

to charity out of obligation or pressure

to do what the world has told us is

correct we are so quick to pay for the

sufferings of others be it through

Charities political campaigns relief

efforts or colleges we broadcast our

participation in these things and turn

our life into a show but as Emerson

notes life is for itself and not for

spectacle goodness bought paid and

broadcasted to the world is no sort of

goodness at all do not be good because

the world insists it or because you feel

obligated but instead act because your

soul directs you to hurl yourself at the

causes and people which are relevant and

deserving of your Genius and cast off

the

[Music]

rest so to review Emerson's

self-reliance is not a simple concept

but like the most complex things of all

it has Anatomy this Anatomy consists of

three parts self-trust self-criticism

and receptiveness Emerson writes what

have I to do with the sacredness of

traditions if I live holy from within my

friend suggested but these impulses may

be from below not from above I replied

they do not seem to me to be such but if

I am the Devil's Child I will live then

from the devil Emerson tells us to live

by our own law that no system is sacred

except that of our own nature he notes

he is ashamed at how easily we

capitulate to badges names societies and

institutions even Emerson himself Falls

victim to this noting that Wells spoken

individuals affect him more than is

right but in totality we should resist

this we must live only to by and with

ourselves this type of goodness Emerson

says has an edge it will not be

agreeable to everyone and it may not

always meet the accepted metrics of

proper conduct or convention but it is

goodness and it will lead us to

Paradise we should also not ignore the

role of self-criticism within Emerson's

IDE aidea of

selfreliance he does not tell us to

blindly accept whatever conclusion we

stumble upon he does not insist that we

are all perfect in another piece called

circles Emerson tells us that quote the

way of life is abandonment we must be

constantly always ready to abandon old

ideas and replace them with the new we

cannot anchor ourselves with stale ideas

or we ourselves become stale we live

chained to antiques ignoring the new

material which we could otherwise EXP

experience self-reliance is not I'm

always right it is I can always be right

by trusting our instincts and

recognizing when things feel wrong or

false our radar becomes tuned to the

world and we can explore the endless new

ideas our world will present vanities

vanities which our society is so quick

to reward things like consistency or

Pride inhibit our ability to change our

ideas so we must resist these things in

another work titled intellect Emerson

writes truth is our element of life yet

if a man fasten his attention on a

single aspect of Truth and apply himself

to that alone for a long time the truth

becomes distorted and not itself but

falsehood when we hold on to ideas for

the sake of consistency acceptance or

just laziness truths are mutated into

Lies We Do Not only damage ourselves but

our entire world what good is is the

society that lives in Echo conversely as

we criticize the things we hold dearest

we arrive at the new we increase the

value of our souls and make the world a

measurably better place in concert with

self-criticism we must be forever

receptive to the new Emerson notes the

power of other opinions as not purely

antagonistic but instead as antidotes to

our own by regularly posing our views

against others in an honest way we are

enabled to reassess and understand not

just how we feel but why we

feel Emerson for all of his belief in

reception does not implore us to just

sit on the fence instead we must

recognize that virtually any idea we

have will come with the baggage of

opposition we should seek joy in this

diversity of thought for it is this

diversity which propels our world from

grayscale into a vibrant Garden of

individualism do not dismay at

counterarguments accept them and

recognize that there does not exist a

Flawless opinion Emerson self-reliance

is a beautiful lens through which to see

the world and yet we still have not

uncovered the most striking thing about

this

concept it's not easy to reshape the

mind in the way Emerson suggests but it

is tremendously possible we can sit

around and wish for wholesale Society to

change in a way we deem right but we

don't need to too the world changes it

grows on one end and deteriorates on the

other Society acquires the new and

jettison the old the greatest material

achievements of today are disregarded as

archaic Obsolete and useless tomorrow

these tangible things new inventions and

breakthrough Technologies are not

permanent instead they are the product

of Man Emerson notes that the great

genius returns to

Man Emerson realizes that we are just

pieces floating in this morass so we

don't need to strike out to change the

world instead we can change internally

we can change how we exist in this ever

shifting landscape Emerson's

prescription is not so Global it is

individual indeed when we look at

examples of greatness we find a Reliance

on self great artists Express themselves

without regard for the meddling opinions

of others the most brilliant scientists

are motivated by an internal Compass

which points towards truth the concept

of of Great Men being born at the right

time is a myth for Emerson the devices

Aesthetics and trappings which we

associate with History's Greatest

individuals are just the costumes these

people wore their greatness is within

their souls Emerson notes that time and

space are but physiological colors which

the eye makes but the soul is light

where it is is day to that point Emerson

is not so naive as to suggest every man

can be Shakespeare Galileo or Jon of Arc

does not express that all people are

equal instead that we are all more

powerful than we believe we are not

blank pages for the world to write upon

instead we are born authors we must

write our own lives without deferring

haphazardly to authorities or Norms be

it poetry or scribbling that we produce

we must write

ourselves this is the only way to find

peace

the search for self-reliance is not

simple or easy but it is accessible we

do not need to go on romanticized

travels abroad or grand conquests as

Emerson notes your giant follows

wherever you go at home we dream of the

sea and at Sea we dream of returning

home greatness peace intelligence these

are not here or there they are instead

within furthermore self-reliance is

immune to blunt concepts of intelligence

or even material capability an idea a

conviction of the type which Emerson

discusses wears its own armor against

the judgment and authority of others

finding these ideas is much the same the

search for them depends on virtue that

we can all cultivate not on ridiculous

Notions of talents or gift which some

have and others do not the ordinary man

looks at a castle as if it is alien but

the castle is made of the same Stone

dirt and metal that walks upon every

single day in a piece called The Poet

Emerson writes the fate of the poor

shepher Who blinded and lost in the

snowstorm perishes within a few feet of

his cottage door is an emblem of the

state of

man we should then fight through our

snowstorms and trudge intentionally

through the snow before we know it we

will be home and our Cottage may be much

closer than we think

[Music]

movie is a curated streaming service

dedicated to elevating great Cinema from

all around the globe from Iconic

directors to emerging aour there's

always something new to discover with

movie each and every film is hand

selected by its team of curators

discover the best of cinema at your

fingertips streaming anytime anywhere

this week I watched the 19 19 36

animated short popey the Sailor meets

Sinbad the Sailor I was pretty shocked

by how much I enjoyed the piece which

was actually nominated for an Academy

Award and is currently preserved in the

Library of Congress papey the Sailor

meets Sinbad the Sailor is now streaming

on movie the point is movie has a little

bit of everything and it's all really

interesting if you like the stuff that

is on this channel you will like the

stuff that is on movie you can try movie

free for 30 days at movie.com horses

that's

mubi.com horses for a whole month of

great Cinema for free