Self-Reliance

By: Ralph Waldo Emerson

Narrated by: Kurt Andersen, Joyce Bean

Length: 1 hr and 31 mins

Publisher's summary

Redefining the classic essay, this modern edition of Ralph Waldo Emerson’s most famous work, Self-Reliance, includes self-reflections from both historical and contemporary luminaries. With quotes from the likes of Henry Ford and Helen Keller to modern-day thought leaders like Jesse Dylan, Steve Pressfield, and Milton Glaser, we're reminded of the relevance of Emerson’s powerful words today. Emerson’s words are timeless. Persuasive and convincing, he challenges readers to define their own sense of accomplishment and asks them to measure themselves against their own standards, not those of society. This famous orator has utter faith in individualism and doesn’t invoke beyond what is humanly possible, he just believes deeply that each of us is capable of greatness. He asks us to define that greatness for ourselves and to be true to ourselves. At times harsh, at times comforting, Emerson’s words guide the reader to challenge their own beliefs and sense of self. This modern edition of Self-Reliance is ideal for graduates or those who are in the midst of a career or lifestyle change. Emerson's sage guidance wrapped in modern-day reflections is a great reminder about the potential within us all and that life is what you make of it.

Public Domain (P)2011 Brilliance Audio

Review

Both narrators made the content feel robotic which detracted from the overall message and content.
Switching narrators in the last chapter seemed unnecessary.
The last chapter was mostly quotes from other people. I’m not a super experienced reader, and it is quite possible my mind was distracted by the robotics, but for a book that is about self reliance and essentially i finding ones own voice, the quotes could have been omitted.

Brilliant Words but Rushed Narration

Would you consider the audio edition of Self-Reliance to be better than the print version?

No, I think it would be much better to read this in print. I found the narration of this essay to consistently feel rushed, thus trivializing the words being spoken. I actually re-listened to this book at half speed on my iPod so that I could better bask in the words.

Any additional comments?

I still will re-listen to this audiobook because of how powerful Emerson's words are, but I will probably try to eventually find another version with more a contemplative inducing narration.

Must re listen to this a few time! Classic

Any additional comments?

The first couple times it's hard to get the full message. Re listen for the best results

My First Introduction to Emerson

I didn't read any Ralph Waldo Emerson in school. I'm not sorry I didn't because now I think I can enjoy an appreciate it more. This was a great listen with some very interesting life-analysis. I'm not sure why this work isn't more relevant to and referenced by today's culture.

Kurt Andersen did a fine read. I didn't quite understand the transition into Joyce's part of the book. Was that just expert commentary on parts of the book? Not quite as interesting. I wouldn't hesitate to pick up another book narrated by Mr. Andersen.

Food for thought

Although a short work, many areas were repeated with only slight variations. That being said, there are some good topics to reflect upon. Not all ideas presented will agree with you, and I personally rejected some of the philosophies discussed.

A handy reference to keep in your library. Use the bookmark function to flag areas to revisit in the future.

Narcissism Without Bound

Libertarians will find much to like in this book. Emerson is totally self-absorbed and the philosophy he espouses in this essay offers no sense of social responsibility. I found the essay to be tiresome, since it can quickly be summed up as the philosophy of "Me."

Did not like the reader

Teh story possibly would of been better if the reader was different. So not for me

Religious

This book wasn’t for you, but who do you think might enjoy it more?

A religious person it someone looking to hear about philosophical enlightenment through religion. The narrator narrates engagingly and the author writes in parables.

What do you think your next listen will be?

I wanted something engaging and interesting for my train ride.

Which character – as performed by Kurt Andersen and Joyce Bean – was your favorite?

Listening to Kurt now I suppose not yet listened to Joyce

You didn’t love this book... but did it have any redeeming qualities?

It's well written, I enjoy the intellect behind it and philosophical references

Any additional comments?

How is this useful to recent graduates

Got sidetracked

I couldn't get myself into this book, and it turned into background noise while I browsed Reddit. You can find more motivational and relevant stuff there.

Bored

What would have made Self-Reliance better?

Not having it.

What do you think your next listen will be?

Something totally different.

What didn’t you like about Kurt Andersen and Joyce Bean ’s performance?

Rambling

If you could play editor, what scene or scenes would you have cut from Self-Reliance?

I would quit my job as editor and get a better book. This was boring.