Ralph Waldo Emerson's poem "Fate" examines the nature of fate and how the poet perceives it. The poet is unconcerned with being born with good fortune. The individual must possess the human attributes that define a human being. Nobody remembers someone who lives only for himself. Or who loses himself in petty concerns around him. Emerson believes that since we are responsible for what we do, we should also be responsible for our fate. Although he does not want to live forever, he accepts it as his duty to continue living. He concludes by urging other people to do the same. Here is the full text of the poem: FATE I accept my fate; I cannot alter it. Whatever they may do to me, I will never Give up my faith or fall away from love. It matters not how strait the gate, how high the wall, I am the master of my fate, I can but try. Oh, well-beloved! this heart shall fail if it Must hear its own doom uttered without response! Let us leave these dwelling places; let us seek Some more imperishable continent.