How does work Guide the Development of the Self Essay

In military mans being today, various concepts exist which if learnt and adhered to, can change the very quality of impression it ego-importance. This is admirably conveyed by Emerson in his essay on self opinion and also deduced from chapters s all the same and eleven of Thoreaus book on Walden. In chapter seven, the author narrates the story of an impoverished farmer who toils on his farm from first light to sunset, while in chapter 11, Thoreau dwells on the qualities of the inner person. After reading these essays, unrivalled is convinced that the most important attribute in life is that which is gained from companionship of our true being as mean by the creator.Beginning with Emersons work, self trust is shown to be the key to self combine because mans true nature is that which is within him. We are all individuals in the eyes of providence, each with our own place which we moldiness learn to take aim and respect. It is only when we exercise self trust in the abilitie s obtainn to us, that we will be able to im analyze as human beings. The author goes on to say that when we cultivate a respect for ourselves, we reject that which is external and which we happen every waking moment hold offing for. What is important is not the acquirement of material wealth, but rather, internal spiritual wealth.It is only when we place our conviction in GOD, who is the most trustworthy and sits in our heart, that we gain self trust. He then works through our hands and predominates our beings. When you are in conformity, this undercuts your self reliance because it scatters your forces, and the real you cannot be detected. You tend to do things as everybody does. It is whence important to be your own individual and your uniqueness will be evident. Consistency, on the other hand, enslaves us to our pasts because we are constantly judging our consecrate with 2 tandards from the past. We fear to be contradicted by our peers and are therefore slight and less sel f reliant.Self reliance is evident from the bean sector chapter of Thoreau because the farmer was rewarded for his hard work with a harvest of twelve bushels. He did not have the benefit of modern farm implements or labor, thus far he loved his work and was rewarded for it. This is a demonstration of self reliance born out of necessity. Instead of discouragement at the prospect of toil, the farmer confronted the ordeal happily and with spiritual calm.Additionally, he gained much more than m 1y. He earned the respect of his neighbors, confidence and experience from his work. John ranges is some other impoverished farmer who has a wife and a family to feed. Unfortunately, he is in a situation where survival dictates that he works for a absorb as someones employee. For this very reason, he cannot be self reliant. Additionally, in order to change his lifestyle, he faces the prospect of being inefficient to afford the necessities of everyday life, for example, tea, coffee, meat and clothes.He also seems unable to knock the time to contemplate his spiritual wellbeing which may help him look at his life afresh. However, the concepts conveyed by Thoreaus higher laws can prove invaluable to him. One of them is that, Man flows to GOD when the channel of purity is turn over. This means that Fields must seek GOD who will give him an inner calm. This will enable him to identify that for which he is best meet to do and treat himself with respect. Additionally, he will be able to insure that which identifies him as an individual, thereby helping him to excel.The kind of wealth that is described in Emersons wealth essay is very foreign to John Fields understanding. According to Emerson, wealth is the application of legal opinion to nature. This requires that one draws a benefit from the labors of the greatest numbers of men, and also do what his creator intended him to do. Unfortunately, Fields is a laborer who is employed on a wage. He does not even understand the concept of business, let alone pose to fathom how he can employ others.Additionally, he may be in the wrong career and needs to re-evaluate it if he is to enjoy the fruits of a better lifestyle. When Frederick Douglas goes to the north, he discovers that work, unlike in the south, is done with pride and in truth creates wealth without the need for slave labor. It also dawns on him that freedom of the mind is the perfect breeding ground for economic progress, which he sees in even former slaves. Additionally, with a free mind comes the possibility of improving the mind through reading.The common thread running through these readings is that the mind and spirit come first before the body. Nature can only be conquered by the spirit and the best way to enrich the spirit is by accepting that GOD has a purpose for each and every one of us. He has given us individual qualities which we must strive to nurture. We must recognize these qualities and use them according to his will. If we do not see the profit within our hearts, then we will, as individuals, continue to move in a crowd, and our uniqueness will not help us or humanity. wealth is first and foremost, that of the heart and spirit.