"I first read the poem “Self Reliance” by Ralph Wal..."

I first read the poem “Self Reliance” by Ralph Waldo Emerson in 9th grade and fell in love. My impressionable self read the line “Nothing can bring you happiness but yourself” and was inspired to pursue my dream of becoming famous. Well, since that did not work out (not yet), I am often in need of the reminder that I (and only I) can dictate my outlook on life.

Once I rid myself of the extremities of life, dusted away the cobwebs dousing the mind in indistinct intention, I was able to find my true purpose. I think that Emerson’s definition of resilience often pervades the surfaces of modern day personas. Society is lacking the ability to look inward to solve problems and cure the infectious disease of unhappiness. I now know, unlike too many others, that I need only look inside myself to cure any disease of my mind.