Both Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau championed…

Bоth Rаlph Wаldо Emersоn аnd Henry David Thoreau championed the ideals of non-conformity and self-reliance in their writings. Emerson declared, "Whoso would be a man, must be a nonconformist" and advised us to "Trust thyself," while Thoreau demonstrated these principles through his deliberate living at Walden Pond and his act of civil disobedience. "Whoso would be a man must be a nonconformist... Nothing is at last sacred but the integrity of your own mind." — Ralph Waldo Emerson, "Self-Reliance" First, explain what Emerson means in this quote. What is he telling us about how we should live? What does "the integrity of your own mind" mean? Second, think about whether this advice is realistic today. What makes it hard to be a nonconformist in 2026? Consider things like social media pressure, needing money to survive, or what family and friends expect from you. Can someone really follow Emerson's advice today, or do we all have to conform in certain ways? Explain your thinking with specific examples. Respond with a well-written paragraph or two.