Emerson argues that maturity involves recognising the limits of envy and imitation. Envy is “ignorance” because it overlooks the particular abilities, circumstances and possibilities of one’s own life. By concentrating on what another person possesses or achieves, an individual may fail to recognise the resources available to them.

His description of imitation as “suicide” is metaphorical: he means that copying another person can suppress one’s own individuality rather than cause literal physical harm. In Self-Reliance, Emerson repeatedly urges readers to trust their own judgement and develop their distinctive capacities. Learning from others remains possible, but attempting to reproduce another person’s identity, values or achievements can prevent genuine self-development. The quotation therefore presents education as a process of becoming more independent, moving away from comparison and imitation towards a clearer understanding of one’s own character and potential.