>Self Reliance by Ralph Waldo Emerson

Do you believe in yourself? Do you feel that you have the power to create? Then this one is for you. After a long time, a book touched me as much as this 67-page book did. Every word is a gem. And every word reflecting what I usually think or propagate i.e., YOU are the most important person. Live not to please others but yourself. You can adjust with relationships but when your principles which are logical come in to the picture, stand like a rock. Disconnect. Delve into yourself. You have a world within.
The book is divided into two parts: Self – Reliance and Prudence
Self Reliance talks about the immense potential you have to create something new. And, here is an extract, which will emphasize the same:
In every work of Genius we recognize our own rejected thoughts; they come to us with a certain alienated majesty. Great works of art have no more affecting lesson for us than this. They teach us to abide by our own spontaneous impression with good-humoured inflexibility then most when the whole cry of voices is on the other side.Every word is like that arrow which pricks your heart or pleases it.I have been doing these Emerson projects for a month now and  I do feel better about myself. The author says that you are not born to please your uncle, aunt, brother, sister, if they do not love you as you are smile and say “Noble of you” but do not stop BEING yourself. Being yourself is the greatest gift you can give to yourself.  In his words“I cannot sell my power and liberty for their sensibility” At this point,  I cannot help put type another extract:
Man is timid and apologetic; he is no longer upright; he dares not say “I think,” “I am,” but quotes some saint or sage. He is ashamed before the blade of the grass or the blowing rose. These roses under my window make no reference to former roses or to better ones; they are for what they are; they exist with God to-day.The second part of the book is about the rules of the nature that cannot be avoided and it must be followed with conviction. There are few rules that are ought to be followed for a fine balance in the ecology. Do it with grace and perfection. If you are travelling and see a tree being cut, ensure you stop.
Be yourself without creating a ruckus in your environment. Great men like Socrates, Shakespear had no teachers they were made by the virtue of their character. For many : Imitation is suicide. Best is to Create.
Ending with an extract, for I know the book review is best justified when you read, at least in this case,
Thus truth, frankness, courage, love, humility, and all the virtues range themselves on the side of prudence or on the art of securing a present well-being.

Thank you Ravi Kumar for introducing this to me.