"We but half express ourselves, and are ashamed of that divine idea which each of us represents." -- Ralph Waldo Emerson, "Self-Reliance" There is some sad truth in what Emerson says. Somehow, society has bred an unspoken censorship policy within the minds of each and every individual. We believe that it is disgraceful to speak against others, that there is no merit in adhering to our own be
liefs, that the opinion of the society at large holds more value than our own individual thoughts. This restraint of private thoughts limits the potential of our society to progress, or at least prevents us from evolving or moving forward at an exponential rate.
Of course, this is based upon Emerson's perception on the merit of our natural ass
umptions. To Emerson, our internal dialogue is a testimony to the universal truth, that can only be found through reasoning or intuition. Our minds are representative models of the universe. Through extended thought, one can find the great truths of the world around us.
If this is the case, than this programmed form of self-censorship is indeed a 
horrible catastrophe. The benefits of sharing that spark that is, apparently, born within each living individual, far outweigh the consequences of vocalizing these very same ideas. Though it is true that creating divisions within our society could produce rather ugly repercussions, the French Revolution for example, nothing can truly change our society unless there is a movement of great magnitude. While it may be easy to temporarily charm the masses into whatever is fashionable at the time, it is much harder for this change to be permanent.
Perhaps this is the reason why individuals find that their opinions are insignificant and therefore useless in the furthering of society. They feel that such a daring action is not worth the possible af
termath because it may not even have an effect. This is absolutely not true. Simply by starting an idea or action, the ripple effect could actually surmount to something significant and truly beneficial. Yes, there are cases in which an action is barren, but the strength and influence of the fertile far exceed those that are not.
The possibilities that follow divine ideas being open to the public are innumerable. These innate senses and notions of the universe create half of our existence because they truly do influence our lives, subconsciously or not. There is so much that can be said about temperment, resulting from these ideas. They truly do change the way we perceive our world a
nd the people that inhabit it. Temperments, being the outermost expressions of our very being, directly effect others and their perceptions. As such, the fallout of one action, truly grows and multiplies at incomprehensible rates. While there may not be a visible change in our universe from one action, statement, or idea, simply the fact that the effects and their influences exist should be enough to convince ourselves to express and convey our ideas to others.
Photo Credits (from Flickr)
1. inside my mind - 2 eyes
2. ... no evil - Mace2000
3. Day 233: "The face is the mirror of the mind, and eyes without speaking confess the secrets of the heat" - Gods Emerald
4. SPEAK - lazy eye exposure
5. Jumping into the new dimension (DSC_4769) - Shutterhack
6. City of the Future: Kuwait - AmmarQ8.com
4 comments:
First of all, your blog is so amazingly aesthetically pleasing. All the pictures and colors make me happy. :)
I totally agree with you. I think everyone feels, at some point in time, that insignificance, that each of us is such a small part of this world. We see so many amazing things and meet so many incredible people that we feel incompetent comparatively.
Yet if we want to change society, someone has to start, and good is contagious. If you make an effort, it will spread to those around you.
May I begin with the simple statement that your writing astounds me?
So many things I could talk about right now.
The first line that jumped at me was your idea that "We see no merit in adhering to our own beliefs." Perfectly stated. Sometimes I feel the general public is quick to blame the general public for making them feel inferior and or pressured to adhere to whatever ideas are presently popular. To some extent, yes, it is the fault of society. But than again, what is society except for a conglomeration of people who all- consciously or not- forfeit recognizing the impact of their own beliefs for the comfortability of the popular belief.
I loved that you talked about the power of one action. Sure we all know we can start 'chain reactions' that will in turn change the world (of course it will...), but what we need to do is learn to be content with the miniscule and often undetected results of what we say or do (or temperment) that have personal impact for someone we may not even know.
There's a million other topics i could divulge on, but overall, bravo completely. It probably took you two seconds to write (knowing you:)) but it truly did raise a number of points touching below the surface.
btw I love the rocket summer too.. his voice is soo cool!
Wow. Ok so in addition to really amazing pictures and music, I love how insightful your post on "Self-Reliance" is. It is really sad that our society has limited itself to this unsaid censorship, and how people have become uncomfortable to speak their minds because of it.
I think it's really interesting how you explore what Emerson's actual view on our natural assumptions are, and how it is almost a reflection of universal truth. '
When you mention the ripple effect, it reminded me of the Columbine Shooting "chain reaction" thing, and I think it how you worded it "action is barren, but strength and influence exceed ...," is also a very good point. Hopefully people learn that they don't have to agree with the general population...otherwise...like you said, our society may not progress much further.
But really good job-I loved how many different points you covered, and how you incorporated everything from temperament to the French Revolution!
Yes, I think it sucks that society is how it is but what can you do? I believe the individual constantly underestimates themselves and their believes. People lose themselves in the idea that because they are only one person in the midst of a whole world of people who have different beliefs, whether they are slightly or completely different, they don't think they can do much. What people forget is that every single person on the earth is in the same position. Ergo it is the people that realize this, and that take pride in who they are they have the upper-hand.
The people who have expressed their beliefs full-heartedly despite what the rest of the world thinks are the ones that go down in history with the greatest respect and admiration. There is so much spirit in an individual and it is powerful. Take Gandhi and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and especially Jesus, who's beliefs have lasted thousands of years.
When people forget about society and realize that it is just made up of people, magnificent things can be done.
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