This may seem cruel and ungenerous, but Emerson would argue that the most generous thing that can be done for people is to help them become individuals. That will benefit them more than tossing a dollar in the alms box. Hence, through his essay, he hopes to encourage others on their road to self-reliance.

The last few lines of "Self-Reliance" call on the readers to be brave and to trust in themselves because, ultimately, the only way for people to be happy is for them to be true to themselves. "Nothing can bring you peace but yourself. Nothing can bring you peace but the triumph of principles" (Emerson168). Those principles are derived from within. People must determine what is right for themselves and Emerson takes into account the guidance of a divine being. Then, people must brave the limits that society will attempt to impose on them in society's constant...
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