【正确答案】正确答案：what the people think. This rule, equally arduous in actual and in intellectual life, may serve for the whole distinction between greatness and meanness," in terms of American characteristics? The quotation reveals Emerson"s philosophy of individualism that Emerson emphasizes individual creation and rejects traditional authority. He believes it makes a difference between a genius and a common lot. Say, every individual possesses a unique genius unless he speaks bravely in public his thoughts and attitudes. The quotation is actually a call for individual creativity, rather than a self-centred assertion.

【答案解析】解析：本题考查爱默生《论自立》对个人主义的看法以及对天才的理解。爱默生认为只要敢于表达自我，不在意他人的看法，就是真正的伟大。