november 6

JOURNAL TOPICS:
(Emerson would want you to exercise your genius and pick any three of these to work on between now and Friday.  Emerson was a smart guy, so I'm in.  Please choose any three of the following prompts to write about between now and Friday.  Please copy the title (in parentheses above the prompt) to the top of your journal entry -- that way you don't have to copy the question in order for me to know what you're talking about. ;)

(In Reflection)

Describe one important idea you've gotten so far from Emerson's "On Self-Reliance."  How is it relevant or helpful to think about this idea in 2019?

(In Quotation Marks)

"Do not think the youth has no force..."  Find this quote in Emerson's essay and explain why you think he says this.  Do you agree or disagree?  Why?

(In the Moment of Truth)

You thought you wanted to do this, but now you're not sure.  The small plane doesn't feel like anything you've ever experienced.  There is just a thin sheet of metal between your feet... and nothing.  Just thousands of feet of empty space to the Earth below.  You stand up as the experienced skydiver next to you yells, "You're next!"  Every bump makes your knees weak.  Your stomach feels like it wants to live in your throat.  You're numb, but you move toward the open door.  Suddenly the wind whips at your hand and this is all suddenly too real.

What do you do next?  Will you sit back down or will you take the leap?  Describe your actions in detail.

(In the Conversation)

When is it best to speak up and be honest even though you know it's going to piss someone off?  When is it best to "go along to get along"?  Do you think Emerson would ever recommend following the herd to fit in, even when it goes against your best self or your truest instincts?  Why/why not?  Explain your answer.

AGENDA:
1. Journal plan
2. Continue reading and posting notes for "On Self-Reliance"


IN-CLASS POST:
Please post your notes as we continue to read and discuss Emerson's essay.  Be sure to write down his main points as you understand them, and include your perspectives and opinions along the way. (title: "ON SELF-RELIANCE PART 3")