What is an analysis of Emerson's "It was high counsel that I once heard given to a young person, 'always do what you are afraid to do.'"

Emerson's
quote, "It was high counsel that I once heard given to a young person, 'always do what you
are afraid to do,'" could be understood as follows.

First, Emerson's use
of "high counsel" indicates that he believes this advice to be extremely valuable.  We
can also surmise that it is especially important that the advice be best taken while a person
is still young.

One would expect that he admires this advice, perhaps because
he is now older and did not do the same--or did so and finds the advice to be precise and true.
 The old adage "too soon old, too late smart" comes to mind.  Maybe he has learned by
experience, which is often the case in Emerson's writing as he so often looks within and shares
his observations in his writings.

When we are young, the world is fresh and
all things are possible.  We can confront the future as if it were a blank page, and we can
write whatever we wish on that page.  Our choices will shape our lives and we will never again
have that opportunity to freely follow the path of our choosing.  Later in life, when we have
financial and/or familial responsibilities, taking a new path is possible, but comes with the
considerations attached to our responsibilities.

Youth also comes with
marvelous hopes and dreams, and the energy, the innocence and the passion to work tirelessly to
reach those lofty heights.  When we are young, we so often will believe that what may seem to be
impossible to others (whose vision has--over the years--been tainted by disappointment and
skepticism), are just within reach.  Life takes its toll and often as we grow older, we don't
have the belief in ourselves to reach for the golden ring.

With regard to
Emerson's use of "fear," this speaks to a young person's self-doubts.  The world is
quick to quash youthful dreams when those dreams have been unattainable to older generations.
 We could argue that Emerson sees the unique qualities in each person and holds with the belief
that if we, as young people, can quiet the voices of doubt and cynicism around us, we can
experience living to the fullest, enjoy a life met head-on with exuberance, and achieve all of
which we are capable.  If not, we may look back some day with regret, a wasted
emotion--something that cannot be changed.

From Emerson's perspective, one
can assume that he encourages us while we are young, perhaps even young at heart, to meet life
with a belief in what is possible, without fear.  This is easier when we are young, but perhaps
Emerson would agree that if we keep the energy and innocence of youth within, perhaps we all can
achieve great things if we move forward without fear.