"The world has been instructed by its kings, who have so magnetized the eyes of nations."
This quote by Emerson is probably the most accurate statement in Self-Reliance. He's saying that we are all controlled, not necessarily by Kings, but by rulers, and these rulers attract attention from everyone else. We have been taught to listen to these rulers no matter if we disagree with them. Every ruler draws attention, which is what Emerson meant when he wrote "who have magnetized the eyes of nations."
In the United States, we are instructed by the President who has the eyes of every other foreign nation. In other countries there are chancellors or queens. But, as a whole, the world is still instructed by kings and rulers, like Emerson said.
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I also thought this was an interesting sentence when I read it. I like your sentence about how we have been taught to listen to rulers whether we agree or disagree. While they aren't exactly kings and rulers, even in school we listen to and do what teachers and administraters say, when we often don't agree or don't understand. Have we become more like robots?
ReplyDeleteAh, I really like that quote as well--good choice!
ReplyDeleteI agree with your views here, since we are controlled by "kings" and generally work for their sakes. We also rely on our leaders and ask that they do all the hard work for us. It's not really an equal exchange, but it's there. A little self-reliance could probably do a whole lot of good.
Nice post. I agree that we continue to do things as a society to please each otherm instead of creating for ourselves.
ReplyDeleteThis is definately one of Emerson's main points. It's so true that in the end it is these rich and powerful figureheads such as the President that preside over society and the State. I loved how Emerson talked about how we should break away from this society, but I cannot see how one could in this day and age without going to jail (which Thoreau talks about). Good post!
ReplyDeleteI like what you chose, i think it really describes what he's talking about for the majority of this essay. Nice work :)
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