A man is like a bit of Labrador spar, which has no lustre as you turn it in your hand until you come to a particular angle; then it shows deep and beautiful colors. There is no adaptation or universal applicability in men, but each has his special Talent, and the mastery of Successful men consists in adroitly keeping themselves where and when that turn shall be oftenest to be practiced.
Interpretation
People have unique talents that may not always be visible until placed in the right circumstances.
This quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson highlights the idea that every individual possesses special talents that might remain hidden until they are in the right environment or situation. Just as a piece of Labrador spar reveals its beauty from a specific angle, a person's true potential can be recognized when positioned correctly. Emerson suggests that successful individuals know how to place themselves in situations that allow their unique abilities to shine, demonstrating the importance of opportunity and context in realizing one's capabilities.
In practice
During a motivational speech about finding your strengths.
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?
I learned the most important lesson of my life: that the extraordinary is not the birthright of a chosen and privileged few, but of all people, even the humblest. That is my one certainty: we are all the manifestation of the divinity of God.
We cannot judge fully of men's works by what we see, or what is said and thought of them; for man is prone to depreciate that which is really important, and to exact and extol what is trivial and of little worth. Many things which are hidden and unrecognized of human wisdom are nevertheless valuable and vitally important.
If you evade suffering you also evade the chance of joy. Pleasure you may get, or pleasures, but you will not be fulfilled. You will not know what it is to come home.
A holy life will produce the deepest impression. Lighthouses blow no horns; they only shine.
Anyone who isn't confused really doesn't understand the situation.
There's nothing worse than being an aging young person.
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