Self-Reliance Chapter Summary & Analysis | Paragraph 28-End of Essay

Paragraph 28-End of Essay Summary

In paragraph twenty-eight, Emerson urges all who believe in self-reliance and the universal mind to live their lives quietly at home, instead of going out and preaching their ideas to the world. He uses the analogy that when someone comes into his house, he could bid them remove their shoes because it is holy ground. Emerson finds it sad that instead of each man drawing from the "internal ocean," he looks to others to beg a mere cup from their pitcher. Emerson encourages men to spend much time in solitude and to use that solitude towards spiritual growth. Emerson warns the reader to resist the temptation to become continually involved in other people's lives.

Emerson urges the reader to live honestly among his family, friends and acquaintances. He believes that dishonesty, even for the reason of being congenial or not hurting someone's feelings, serves no purpose and is harmful to...
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