Fate, then, is a name for facts not yet passed under the fire of thought; for causes which are unpenetrated.
Interpretation
Fate represents events that havenβt been deeply considered or understood yet.
In this quote, Ralph Waldo Emerson suggests that what we often refer to as fate consists of events and circumstances that have not yet been thoughtfully examined or understood. He implies that fate is not merely predetermined; rather, it encompasses causes that we have yet to explore, urging us to engage with our experiences and perceptions critically to uncover their true significance.
In practice
During a philosophical discussion on destiny and free will.
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?
There will be peace on earth when there is peace among the world religions.
The softest things in the world overcome the hardest things in the world.
The hatred and contempt for men, women and children that was manifested in the Shoah was a crime against God and against humanity.
Utility is the great idol of the age, to which all powers must do service and all talents swear allegiance.
I hope I'm worthy in my dying. I hope I can maintain myself - that I wouldn't become pathetic and needy, and the worst part of myself come out in adversity. But I'm not afraid of it. It'd be such a silly thing to do! To ruin the life you have by fearing its ending.
The purpose of all wars, is peace.
Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.