Emerson's Individualism Throughout literary history, Ralph Waldo Emerson has been considered one of the most influential writers of American Individualism. Emerson defines individualism as man's ability to think for himself and to not rely on the past to direct his life. Emerson's essay, "Self-Reliance", is based on this idea of individualism. In this essay, he expresses his disdain for man's dependence on traditional society. Throughout "Self-Reliance", Emerson stresses the importance of nonconformity, freedom of thought, …showed first 75 words of 902 total…

…showed last 75 words of 902 total…Freedom of expression is a popular tool of Americans. While Americans do reference the past and what other scholars have expressed, they do not rely on it. Americans use other people's research and knowledge as a tool to enhance society. American society also encourages nonconformity and different opinions to be expressed. Americans value the diversification of its people. Emerson has played a huge part in influencing American society through his views on individuality and self-reliance.