Self-Reliance
A Q&A with Ralph Waldo EmersonFor nearly 200 years, Ralph Waldo Emerson'sSelf-Reliancehas been the  preeminent book on independence, non-conformity, and trusting oneself. AtThe Domino  Project, we believe that Emerson's words are just as relevant today as they  were in 1841. Read on:The Domino Project:There has been much talk of  the failing education system in America, and even new groundbreaking movies  such asWaiting for SupermanandRace to Nowheredocumenting  these failings. Do you have any suggestions on how we fix this broken system?Ralph Waldo Emerson, inSelf-Reliance:The  intellect is vagabond, and our system of education fosters restlessness. Our  minds travel when our bodies are forced to stay at home. We imitate; and what  is imitation but the travelling of the mind?Question:Society's quick pace makes it hard to focus and    concentrate. What can one to do achieve serenity today?Emerson:Nothing can bring you peace but yourself. Nothing  can bring you peace but the triumph of principles.Question:Many in society are afraid of of being themselves  and speaking authentically. Why do you think that is?Emerson:Man is timid and apologetic; he is no longer  upright; he dares not say ‘I think,’ ‘I am,’ but quotes  some saint or sage. He is ashamed before the blade of grass or the blowing  rose. These roses under my window make no reference to former roses or to  better ones; they are for what they are; they exist with God today. There is no  time to them. There is simply the rose; it is perfect in every moment of its  existence.Question:What is the key to happiness with one's work and  occupation?Emerson:A man is relieved and gay when he has put his  heart into his work and done his best; but what he has said or done otherwise,  shall give him no peace. Do your work, and I shall know you. Do your work, and  you shall reinforce yourself. Your genuine action will explain itself, and will  explain your other genuine actions. Your conformity explains nothing.Question:There are so many popular opinions in society  today. How should we know whom to listen to?Emerson:Trust thyself: every heart vibrates to that iron  string. It is easy in the world to live after the world’s opinion; it is  easy in solitude to live after our own; but the great man is he who in the  midst of the crowd keeps with perfect sweetness the independence of  solitude.Question:What advice do you have for creators and artists  who don't think they create original work?Emerson:Insist on yourself; never imitate. Your own gift  you can   present every moment with the cumulative force of a whole  life’s cultivation; but of the adopted talent of another, you have only  an extemporaneous, half possession. That which each can do best, none but his  Maker can teach him.