To believe your own thought, to believe that what is true for you in your private heart is true for all men, -- that is genius. Trust thyself: every heart vibrates to that iron string.- Ralph Waldo Emerson
I believe that Emerson is advocating that you must think whatever you believe in, all men believe in such. This provides such confidence to one's self, that it'll boost your passion in whatever you believe in. If taken this advice, one would think that all men has the same mindset as such, and thus one's confidence in the subject is enhanced, with knowledge that others believe in what they believe in, an example of "safety in numbers", a theory of where one feels more safe with more people around them.
Through personal experiences, I have faced obstacles which led me to either use this advice, or neglect it. It was as simple as a debate in a socials classroom. Reenacting debates such as claims over land, our own team had to think of ideas which would benefit our chances of 'claiming' the land for ourselves. At the time, I was (and still partially is) a shy guy. Never really said anything in class, kept to myself. However, I had an idea which could potentially benefit our team. It was Me vs myself, if I was willing to take the chance of coming out of my comfort zone. Raising my hand, I was called upon on. After what felt like years of mumbling and stuttering, I got my point across. Others started to nod in agreement, and I felt safe, knowing that others agreed with my belief. At the end of the debate, our team had successfully claimed the land, and I felt relief, knowing I contributed to our win.
This particular example exemplifies Emerson's advice; when you believe that others believe in you, you will succeed. If you mentally believe that, physically, others will agree due to the self confidence that you inflict on others. Trust Thyself, Emerson says.
