First impression of "On Self-Reliance"

First impression of "On Self-Reliance"

My first impression of "On Self-Reliance" by Ralph Waldo Emerson is that this man wrote a whole essay telling people to be themself because they'll regret when someone is positively perceived as someone they could've been. In this essay, Emerson tells us we should learn to understand and accept ourselves because otherwise we cower in fear of rejection. From the looks of it, rejection might be the only way you learn to accept yourself because with close inspection you might notice how much of a gem you are. Only you will live with you forever, so once you learn to be yourself and accept yourself, the easier it'll be for you.