I think I am better than the people who are trying to reform me

I think I am better than the people who are trying to reform me

E.W. Howe was a prominent American author and editor known for his sharp wit and satirical writing style. Throughout his career, Howe often found himself at odds with those who sought to reform or change him in some way. He was a fiercely independent thinker who believed in the power of individualism and self-reliance.

In his famous essay "The Story of a Country Town," Howe writes, "I think I am better than the people who are trying to reform me." This statement encapsulates Howe's belief in his own superiority over those who would seek to impose their beliefs or values on him. He saw himself as a free thinker who refused to be swayed by the opinions of others.

Howe's disdain for reformers can be seen in his writing, where he often skewered those who sought to impose their moral or social views on society. He believed that true progress could only come from individual initiative and self-determination, rather than from external forces trying to mold or shape people into a certain mold.

In his novel "The Story of a Country Town," Howe explores the theme of individualism and the struggle for personal freedom in the face of societal expectations. The protagonist, a young man named Joe, rebels against the constraints of small-town life and the expectations of his family and community. He refuses to conform to the norms of society and instead follows his own path, even if it means alienating those around him.

Through Joe's story, Howe challenges the idea that reform is always necessary or beneficial. He suggests that true progress comes from within, from individuals who are willing to think for themselves and challenge the status quo. Howe's belief in the power of individualism and self-reliance is a recurring theme in his work, and it is this belief that sets him apart from the reformers he so often criticized.