In lines 12-24, Emerson states that self-reliance starts, as we might imagine, with the individual's decision that he must work hard to develop his talents: "no kernel of nourishing corn can come to him but through his toil bestowed on that plot of ground which is given to him to till."
But self-reliance means more than simply doing hard work. It also involves discerning what particular task God has called you as an individual to do and then accepting that call. It means being original: "imitation is suicide." In Emerson's view, God has planted into each one of us a particular gift, what he calls a "preestablished harmony...that divine idea which each one of us represents." To develop this divine idea or gift means understanding who one is as a unique individual, and daring to be a nonconformist in pursuit of one's goals: "Trust thyself: every heart vibrates to that iron string." For that reason, self-reliance requires courage. In contrast, ignoring one's God-given call, no matter how hard a person might try to run away from it, will leave that individual tormented. " A man is relieved and gay when he has put his heart into his work," but not otherwise.
In a nutshell, the self-reliant person must work hard, have the courage to find and follow the path God has laid out for him, and have faith that the only real peace of mind comes from following one's destiny, no matter what it might be.
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