What does Emerson mean by this quote: "Society everywhere is in conspiracy against the manhood of every one of its members. Society is a joint-stock company, in which the members agree, for the better securing of his bread to each shareholder, to surrender the liberty and culture of the eater" (Emerson 94).

Society is a mindless swarm that must be led and corralled. They will willingly give up their freedom for simple provision. They never need to agree or disagree, they are always told what to do by those in charge.

Society is a vicious mob which cannot be trusted. It destroys everyone. There is no benefit to anyone to be part of society and all are better off by avoiding it all together as there is no benefit to them.

Society is something that drowns out the sound of each individual and blurs the lines between them. It takes away individuality and each person's individual voice in exchange for a sense of belonging.

Society is something which protects each individual's basic needs. In exchange it requires each person to be part of the whole and participate for the good of everyone else.