Ralph Waldo Emerson

There is a good ear, in some men, that draws supplies to virtue out of very indifferent nutriment.

A certain awkwardness marks the use of borrowed thoughts; but as soon as we have learned what to do with them, they become our own.

Law rules throughout existence, a Law which is not intelligent, but Intelligence.

But I cannot recite, even thus rudely, laws of the intellect, without remembering that lofty and sequestered class of men who have been its prophets and oracles, the high-priesthood of the pure reason, the Trismegisti, the expounders of the principles of thought from age to age.

There is something servile in the habit of seeking after a law which we must obey.

If government knew how, I should like to see it check, not multiply, the population. When it reaches its true law of action, every man that is born will be hailed as essential.

The highest virtue is always against the law.

The longest wave is quickly lost in the sea.

Ever the words of the gods resound; But the porches of man's ear seldom in this low life's round are unsealed, that he may hear.

Law of Contrariness: Our chief want in life is somebody who shall make us do what we can. Having found them, we shall then hate them for it.

Character is always known. Thefts never enrich; alms never impoverish; murder will speak out of stone walls.

We cannot overstate our debt to the Past, but the moment has the supreme claim.

An orator or author is never successful till he has learned to make his words smaller than his ideas.

Nature is methodical, and doeth her work well. Time is never to be hurried.

The truth, the hope of any time, must always be sought in minorities.

The mark of the man of the world is absence of pretension. He does not make a speech; he takes a low business-tone, avoids all brag, is nobody, dresses plainly, promises not at all, performs much, speaks in monosyllables, hugs his fact.

Rhodora! If the sages ask thee why This charm is wasted on the earth and sky, Tell them, dear, that if eyes were made for seeing, Then Beauty is its own excuse for being.

He in whom the love of truth predominates . . . submits to the inconvenience of suspense and imperfect opinion; but he is a candidate for truth . . . and respects the highest law of his being.

Don't be a cynic and disconsolate preacher. Don't bewail and moan. Omit the negative propositions. Challenge us with incessant affirmatives.

A little fact is worth a whole limbo of dreams.

A skilful man reads his dreams for his selfknowledge; yet not the details, but the quality.