5. Paragraph 7: How does Emerson's view of the individual contrast with those of Hobbes and Locke? B I U '5 c square Press Esc + Tab to exit the text editing field

Emerson's view of the individual sharply contrasts with those of Hobbes and Locke. While Hobbes and Locke focused on social contracts and the role of government in shaping individual behavior, Emerson emphasized self-reliance and individual intuition. Hobbes, in his work "Leviathan," advocated for a strong central authority to maintain order and prevent chaos, viewing individuals as inherently selfish and in need of control. Locke, on the other hand, proposed a more optimistic perspective, emphasizing natural rights and the social contract to protect individual liberties. In contrast, Emerson, in his essay "Self-Reliance," celebrated individualism, urging people to trust their own instincts and resist conformity. He believed in the inherent goodness of individuals and encouraged independence from societal norms, diverging significantly from the more structured views of Hobbes and Locke.