What is the definition of self-reliance?

Self-reliance is defined as relying on oneself or one's own efforts and abilities rather than those exerted or supplied by other people. Some synonyms of self-reliance include independence, self-dependence and self-support. Antonyms of self-reliance include dependence and reliance.

While relying on others for help is necessary at times, a person must eventually learn to go through life and handle trials on his own to truly be successful. "Self-Reliance" is also the name of an essay written by American philosopher Ralph Waldo Emerson that focuses on the pressing need for a person to follow his own ideas and avoid conformity.