The end of the human race will be that it will eventually die of civilization.
Interpretation
Civilization may lead to the downfall of humanity due to its excesses and complexities.
Ralph Waldo Emerson's quote suggests a pessimistic view of civilization, indicating that the very advancements and complexities that define civilized life could ultimately contribute to humanity's extinction. The focus on progress, technology, and societal structures may create an unsustainable environment that could lead to self-destruction, prompting reflection on the balance between civilization and human survival.
In practice
During a debate on the impact of technology on society, this quote can highlight the potential risks of advancements.
It is plain that there is no separate essence called courage, no cup or cell in the brain, no vessel in the heart containing drops or atoms that make or give this virtue; but it is the right or healthy state of every man, when he is free to do that which is constitutional to him to do.
Few people have any next, they live from hand to mouth without a plan, and are always at the end of their line.
Men cease to interest us when we find their limitations
Tis the good reader that makes the good book; a good head cannot read amiss: in every book he finds passages which seem confidences or asides hidden from all else and unmistakeably meant for his ear.
The world belongs to the energetic.
Hast thou named all the birds without a gun?
Though all afflictions are evils in themselves, yet they are good for us, because they discover to us our disease and tend to our cure.
Jesus came into this world not as a philosopher or a general but as a carpenter. All work matters to God.
The world is being created and destroyed in this very moment. Whoever you met will reappear, whoever you lost will return. Donβt betray the grace that was bestowed on you. Understand what is going on inside you and you will understand what is going on inside everyone else. Donβt imagine that I came to bring peace. I came with a sword.
I think it is very beautiful for the poor to accept their lot, to share it with the passion of Christ. I think the world is being much helped by the suffering of the poor people.
No man is truly great who is great only in his lifetime. The test of greatness is the page of history.
The human soul needs actual beauty more than bread.
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