Flipped Learning Task

 Ralph Waldo Emerson and his works

Hello everyone, this blog is responding to a Flipped Learning Activity assigned by Prakruti Ma’am. Which is based on Ralph Emerson’s works. For further reading Click Here

1) In your opinion, which of the following factors can define an individual's identity/nature: 1) Their Speech 2) Their Behavior 3) Their Choices of Material Possession 4) The things that they hide from everybody.

Factors Determining an Individual's Identity

Identity is a multi-faceted and multi-dimensional term, and Emerson's discussion of human nature gives profound insight into what really determines an individual. Of the factors that determine one's identity, the following are the most important:

Speech: The manner in which a person speaks, the words they use, the tone, and the articulation tend to reveal their character and thought patterns. Emerson sees the strength of speech when he writes about how poets and prophets value what they say more than their hearers. He says, “The poet, the prophet, has a higher value for what he utters than any hearer, and therefore it gets spoken.” This reminds us that speech is a vital part of identity, as it determines how people communicate and are understood by others.

Behavior: A person's actions speak louder than words. Emerson is inferring that human behavior is the result of an inner inclination that drives them in a particular direction. He states, “Nature added a little violence of direction in its proper path, a shove to put it on its way.” What this really tells us is that our identity is not only created through words but also through actions, routines, and choices that govern our lives.

Material Possession Choices: Material possessions do not make a person in and of themselves, but they indicate personal values and social desires. Emerson is critical of materialism and the constant seeking of riches, as people build up possessions hoping to find happiness and then become locked in a cycle of never-ending want. He says, “To eliminate friction has become the goal.” This shows that possessions can't be the essence of true identity but just represent misguided goals.

The Things They Hide from Everybody: The secret things about a person, including his fears, regrets, and unexpressed thoughts, usually show the truest essence of his identity. Emerson speaks of how each person has an overblown sense of self-importance when he reflects inward, as in the case of the diarist who considers his writings superior to anything others can fathom. "He wets them with his tears: they are sacred; too good for the world." This indicates that our secret feelings and thoughts determine what we are, maybe even deeper than what we express outwardly.

2) Do you agree with Emerson's view that every individual is inherently good? If yes, why? If not, why not?

Emerson’s perspective suggests that individuals are inherently good, though they may be misguided in their pursuits. He believes that nature has endowed each person with a purpose and direction, ensuring that they contribute to the grand order of existence. He states, “To the intelligent, nature converts itself into a vast promise, and will not be rashly explained. Her secret is untold.” This implies that while individuals may appear flawed or misguided, there is an intrinsic goodness and purpose within them that unfolds over time.

However, one could argue against Emerson’s optimism by considering historical and contemporary instances where individuals act with malice or selfish intent. While Emerson acknowledges the presence of folly in every person, he suggests that even these imperfections serve a greater purpose. “No man is quite sane; each has a vein of folly in his composition.” This aligns with the idea that individuals have an inherent potential for good, even if they deviate from it at times.

3) Quote at least one line from the original essay which you found relatable and discuss how it can be relevant in today's time.

One of the most powerful lines in Emerson's essay is:

"All promise outruns the performance. We live in a system of approximations."

This observation continues to be highly pertinent in our current world, where dreams usually outstrip accomplishment. In individual ambition, technology, or in societal advancement, there is never a time when what is aimed for and what is achieved equals each other. The fast-paced nature of life in the present era, as we chase after perfection and accomplishment, reflects Emerson's comment that we are all forever reaching toward an ideal which forever eludes us.

For example, in the age of the internet, social media generates an illusion of perfectionism where individuals stage their lives to look perfect, and there is widespread discontent when things do not turn out that way. The "promise" of achievement, bliss, or fulfillment by means of material possessions and the approval of others tends to be elusive, perpetuating the view that human life is an endless quest and not a destination.

Emerson's search for identity, human nature, and the relentless striving for ideals provides wisdom that transcends time. Though speech, conduct, belongings, and concealed truths all help to make up one's identity, it is finally the inner urge and purpose given by nature that makes a person who he or she is. His faith in the goodness of humanity, even with their imperfections, is an optimistic perspective from which we can look at ourselves and society. Lastly, his words on human aspiration remind us that perfection is impossible, but it is the quest itself that provides meaning to life.

References :

 Original essay  Ted.ed Lesson