"Envy is ignorance; imitation is suicide."

For man to give up his individuality, his uniqueness, is for him to give up his life and his opportunity to grow in society. Sure, it is natural for humans to envy one another, whether for their abilities, possessions, or character. Emerson says envy is ignorance to reiterate the idea that man does not know his full potential until he is placed in a situation where his best is demanded. I agree with this thought of being jealous only because it is man's nature to never be fully satisfied with himself and his work. Yet it is never right to try and be like someone else because of envy you have for them. Endeavoring to conform to another character is like throwing your soul away, giving up everything inside you to only be the mediocre version of someone else. Emerson says emulating someone else is suicide; It is killing your soul and inner conscience to mold to society. Individuality is the greatest power man possesses and he should never attempt to imitate someone else because he will only futher lose himself.