Societal Conditioning

According to "Self-Reliance," an essay by Ralph Waldo
Emerson, "Society everywhere is in conspiracy against the
manhood of every one of its members," and "...you will
always find those who think they know what is your duty
better than you know it." Emerson obviously understood the
workings of human society quite well. He says that society
works to destroy the "manhood" of its members. This
"manhood" could be a number of things, but any
interpretation, directly or indirectly, points to the
wanton destruction of free-will. Free-will requires a
free-thinking and open mind. This is exactly what society
discourages in its younger members. Students in so-called
"schools of learning" are herded around like cattle, and
constantly force-fed idealistic versions of the truth. Many
of these "lessons for life" are nothing more than lies.
According to those with the money and power, this sort of
teaching is necessary for the overall well- being of each
individual, and society as a whole. These are the ones who
feel they "know what is your duty better than you know it
yourself." Much like trickle-down economics, this thinking
is passed on to each social caste and generation through
every facet of American life until it is generally regarded
as "the way things have always been." Many people often
come to realize their life is being molded by others, and
feel they have little control over it. This type of
thinking is first regarded as preposterous paranoia, but
sooner or later these people realize such radical and
"subversive" thoughts are true. Those who fail to look
beyond the surface instantly point fingers at anyone
different. The ills of society are constantly being blamed
on "niggers", "Jews", "tree-huggers", or "aliens". Not only
is such thinking absurd, but this is exactly how "they" or
"the Man" want us to think, whoever this elusive entity may
be. "A foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of little
minds," says Emerson. By this he means to break away from
traditional thought. Do not accept everything at face
value. Think for yourself instead of instantly accepting
everything you are told. Avoid the "It's true, I saw it on
The X-Files!" syndrome. Emerson also states "Nothing is at
last sacred but the integrity of your own mind." Emerson
suggests to question everything that is presented to you.
If something seems doubt- ful, refute it. Do not accept
something merely because you are pressured into doing so. A
fine example is organized religion. Religious beliefs
should not be subscribed to because it is the norm.
Remember, nothing is more sacred than the integrity of your
own mind. Do not be afraid to stray from traditional
thought. The rewards may not be instantaneous, but for the
sake of your own mind, it is essential. ---
 
Emerson advocates free-thinking, and by this he seeks to
better the minds of his fellow citizens. Some individuals
may not have the mental capacity to do so, but a
questioning and free-thinking mind is of much more value
than conforming with society for the sake of personal
peace.