Read the excerpt from "Self-Reliance," by Ralph Waldo Emerson. Society is a joint-stock company, in which the members agree, for the better securing of his bread to each shareholder, to surrender the liberty and culture of the eater. The virtue in most request is conformity. Self-reliance is its aversion. Based on the excerpt, what is Emerson’s view of the relationship between society and individuals?
Answer
A
Society protects people’s rights.
B
Society encourages people to be alike.
C
Society helps people feel more free.
D
Society pushes people to be more unique.
Explanation
Emerson says society’s most valued virtue is “conformity,” meaning people are expected to act alike. He also says individuals surrender some liberty and culture to society, so society discourages independence rather than making people more unique. The correct choice is “Society encourages people to be alike.”
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