Ralph Waldo Emerson's works elaborate on Thoreau's view on individualism, as he argues that one must not only step outside of tradition, but they must do it even if it means being misinterpreted or rejected. Emerson advocated for the individual by declaring that to “be a man [one] must be a nonconformist.” Traditional ideas are what most members of society take to, but people must refuse them. Emerson stated, “To be great is to be misunderstood.” He persistently argued that individuals must refuse to follow these traditional ideas no matter what the consequences, even if being a nonconformist means being rejected by other members of society.
Emerson’s reasoning behind this argument is that “nothing is at last sacred but the integrity of your own mind.” Embracing one's own thoughts allows him or her to explore life more in depth and discover his or her identity. If the traditional ideas of society were accepted, one would not be able to personally grow within the contraints of a conformist life. Just as Emerson stated regarding individuality, "Trust thyself: every heart vibrates to that iron string."
Emerson’s reasoning behind this argument is that “nothing is at last sacred but the integrity of your own mind.” Embracing one's own thoughts allows him or her to explore life more in depth and discover his or her identity. If the traditional ideas of society were accepted, one would not be able to personally grow within the contraints of a conformist life. Just as Emerson stated regarding individuality, "Trust thyself: every heart vibrates to that iron string."