Men lose their tempers in defending their taste.
Interpretation
People often become angry when their preferences are challenged.
Ralph Waldo Emerson's quote reflects the idea that individuals are deeply connected to their personal tastes and preferences. When these are questioned or criticized, they can react strongly, often with anger. This suggests that our tastes are not just superficial choices but are tied to our identity and self-worth, highlighting the importance of understanding and respecting differing opinions.
In practice
This quote can be used during a debate about personal preferences in art or literature.
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?
To me, constructive criticism is when people take ownership of their ideas. That's why I don't listen to anything that's anonymous. But it's hard; when there's something hurtful out there, I still want to read it over and over and memorize it and explain my point of view to the person.
Never contend with a man who has nothing to lose.
Do not be afraid; our fate Cannot be taken from us; it is a gift.
For to be possessed of a vigorous mind is not enough; the prime requisite is rightly to apply it.
The more aware of your intentions and your experiences you become, the more you will be able to connect the two, and the more you will be able to create the experiences of your life consciously. This is the development of mastery. It is the creation of authentic power.
All the extraordinary men I have ever known were chiefly extraordinary in their own estimation.
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