Inherent in Emerson’s philosophy outlined in “Self-Reliance” is the belief that mankind is morally good by nature. This framework places trust in each individual to govern himself according to a personal set of principles. Emerson particularly mentions the “authority of the soul.” He presents the soul as the potential within each man for greatness and does not consider a man’s soul wholly corruptible. Every soul should execute just authority over one’s actions, if one only starts living as a self-reliant creature in nature and under God.

Emerson generally denounces societal institutions that bear social weight and influence over the population. He says early in the essay, “I am ashamed to think how easily we capitulate to badges and names, to large societies and dead institutions.” He views this automatic submission as a weakness of the human will and a waste of human potential. Institutions are built off of tradition, compromise, and consistency—these are all deplorable facets of society in Emerson’s view, as they discourage rather than foster individualism.

In particular, Emerson presents the general population as dangerously dependent on their property. He laments the fact that people uphold the institutions and authorities that aim to protect property. Such a pronounced focus on material possessions keeps a person intimately tied to things rather than thoughts.