Question

In Ralph Waldo Emerson's "Self Reliance" "your own gift you can present every moment with the cumulative force of a whole life's cultivation; but of the adopted talent of another, you have only an extemporaneous, half possession." The use of the term "half possession" suggests talent is: not truly owned, given away, lost, not understood, undefined.

Answer 1

The term "half possession" in this context suggests that talent is **not truly owned**. Emerson is emphasizing the idea that when one adopts or imitates the talents or ideas of others, they do not fully possess or embody those abilities; instead, they only have a superficial or incomplete grasp of them. This notion encourages individuals to cultivate and rely on their own unique gifts and insights, which have been developed through personal experience and introspection, rather than merely borrowing from others. By doing so, one can present their authentic self and contribute more powerfully to the world.