In the great books of India, an empire spoke to us, nothing small or unworthy, but large, serene, consistent, the voice of an old intelligence, which in another age and climate had pondered and thus disposed of the questions that exercise us.
Interpretation
The quote reflects the profound wisdom found in ancient Indian literature, suggesting it addresses enduring human questions with depth and clarity.
Ralph Waldo Emerson highlights the significance of India's great literary works, portraying them as a voice of an ancient intelligence that grapples with profound philosophical questions. He suggests that these texts offer timeless insights into human existence, reflecting larger truths that transcend their historical and cultural contexts, thereby providing readers with guidance and perspective on the complexities of life.
In practice
In a speech about the importance of literature in understanding culture, one might reference Emerson's insights.
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?
Pierre looked into the sky, into the depths of the retreating, twinkling stars. "And all this is mine, and all this is in me, and all this is me!" thought Pierre. "And all this they've caught and put in a shed and boarded it up!
The world is ruled only by consideration of advantages.
It hurts when God has to PRY things out of our hand!
Let us remember that we can do these things not just because of wealth or power, but because of who we are: one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.
Sometimes I am convinced there is nothing wrong with this country that couldn't be cured by the magical implantation of ethical standards on us all - leaders and followers. Until that becomes doable, the Center for Public Integrity is just about the best thing we have going for us.
The irony is, the advertising industry knows everyone hates what they produce. This is why they keep looking for new ways to force people to stay tuned.
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