IM SELF-RELIANT

"A man should learn to detect and watch that gleam of light which flashes across his mind from within, more than the lustre of the firmament of bards and sages. Yet he dismisses without notice his thought, because it is his. "
Notes:

This is saying that often we get thoughts, ideas,theory's etc.. but since it is US thinking it it doesn't matter, shouldn't matter, won't make a difference. But Emmersons saying that often we should recognize and not be afraid to speak of them. 



" A man is relieved and gay when he has put his heart into his work and done his best; "
Notes:

I'm a relatable sense I understand this quote because Emmersons is saying that when we put a 100% into something we are not only satisfied with the results in the future but the work that was put in to get there.

"Trust thyself: every heart vibrates to that iron string."
Notes:

Emmerson is telling us to trust our instincts here and listen to our heart and mind more.

" Do not think the youth has no force, because he cannot speak to you and me. "
Notes:
I don't really know what Emmerson is saying here but from my understanding he's saying that just because us teens don't talk to adults like we do to other teens because we're looked at different or down on doesn't mean we don't have logic.


Last verse :
"A political victory, a rise of rents, the recovery of your sick, or the return of your absent friend, or some other favorable event, raises your spirits, and you think good days are preparing for you. Do not believe it. Nothing can bring you peace but yourself. Nothing can bring you peace but the triumph of principles.
Notes:
Emmerson really did it with this one. I can't really explain what he's saying because in all honesty the verse explains itself. Nothing can bring us peace like the peace we bring ourselves. Peace is self givin by us. We control it. And when he says if you think good days are preparing for you do not believe it, I feel like he's saying the good day doesn't have to be prepared because you can choose when you want it.