Emerson Quote

"The voyage of the best ship is a zigzag line of a hundred tacks"
-- Ralph Waldo Emerson

Within Ralph Waldo Emerson work, "Self-Reliance", are his theories about nonconformity and individuality. The quote above is an excellent example of his work. First, the ship of which he speaks is actually a person, not the body but the spirit and mind. Normally (or Conformally), the ship (or person) takes the straightest route to a place, which is the fastest route. However, Emerson states that a zigzag pattern is necessary. I believe that his idea is truth. Emerson promotes individuality; however, he also proposes that a person must have experience in the world. The zigzag line indicates someone stopping at many different places before the destination, gaining experience that will help them during their voyage (essentially their life). In this way, the person learns from their past mistakes, thoughts, and feelings; therefore embettering the connection between everyone and everything.