They measure their esteem of each other, by what each has, and not by what each is. But a cultivated man becomes ashamed of his property, ashamed of what he has, out of new respect for his being. Especially he hates what he has, if he see that it is accidental,—came to him by inheritance, or gift, or crime; then he feels that it is not having; it does not belong to him, has no root in him, and merely lies there, because no revolution or no robber takes it away.
Do you agree with what Emerson says of the “cultivated” man? Defend or challenge his remark, using your observation and experience to support your position.
Some writers have so confounded society with government, as to leave little or no distinction between them; whereas they are not only different, but have different origins. Society is produced by our wants, and government by our wickedness; the former promotes our happiness positively by uniting our affections, the latter negatively by restraining our vices. The one encourages intercourse, the other creates distinctions. The first is a patron, the last a punisher. Society in every state is a blessing…
Emerson writes, “Society everywhere is in conspiracy against the manhood of every one of its members” (par. 6) and characterizes “society” throughout “Self-Reliance.” What does each writer mean by society? How would you compare and contrast Emerson’s and Paine’s different perspectives on it? Explain.