<Ul> <Li> Individual authority: Emerson mentions that citizens control the government so they have control . He also mentions how "nothing has authority over the self ." He says, "History cannot bring enlightenment; only individual searching can ." He believes that truth is inside a person and this is authority, not institutions like religion . </Li> <Li> Nonconformity: Emerson states, "Whoso would be a man must be a nonconformist ." He counsels his readers to do what they think is right no matter what others think . </Li> <Li> Solitude and the community: Emerson wrote how the community is a distraction to self - growth, by friendly visits, and family needs . He advocates more time being spent reflecting on one's self . This can also happen in the community by a strong self - confidence . This would help the counseled to not sway from his beliefs in groups of people . </Li> <Li> Spirituality: Truth is within one's self . Emerson posits that reliance upon institutionalized religion hinders the ability to grow mentally as an individual . </Li> </Ul> <Li> Individual authority: Emerson mentions that citizens control the government so they have control . He also mentions how "nothing has authority over the self ." He says, "History cannot bring enlightenment; only individual searching can ." He believes that truth is inside a person and this is authority, not institutions like religion . </Li> <Li> Nonconformity: Emerson states, "Whoso would be a man must be a nonconformist ." He counsels his readers to do what they think is right no matter what others think . </Li> <Li> Solitude and the community: Emerson wrote how the community is a distraction to self - growth, by friendly visits, and family needs . He advocates more time being spent reflecting on one's self . This can also happen in the community by a strong self - confidence . This would help the counseled to not sway from his beliefs in groups of people . </Li>

The foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of little minds