He cumbers himself never about consequences, about interests; he gives an independent, genuine verdict. You must court him: he does not court you. But the man is, as it were, clapped into jail by his consciousness.
Interpretation
The quote emphasizes the importance of an independent mindset and the burden of self-awareness.
Ralph Waldo Emerson reflects on the intricate balance between independent thought and the constraints imposed by one's own conscience. He suggests that a true thinker does not concern himself with societal approval or the implications of his opinions. However, this independence may lead to a profound inner struggle, as the awareness of one's own thoughts can feel like a form of imprisonment.
In practice
During a discussion on free speech, this quote can illustrate the tension between personal belief and public opinion.
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?
Economy is half the battle in life, but it is not so hard to earn money as to spend it well. Hundreds would never have known want if they had not first known waste.
Talent without craft is like fuel without an engine, it burns wildly but accomplishes nothing.
Enlightenment is understanding that there is nowhere to go, nothing to do, and nobody you have to be except exactly who you're being right now.
Often miracles are happening right in front of our eyes, but we think they should look different, so we miss them though they're right there.
I will eliminate hatred, envy, jealousy, selfishness, and cynicism, by developing love for all humanity, because I know that a negative attitude toward others can never bring me success. I will cause others to believe in me, because I will believe in them, and in myself.
When we disclaim praise, it is only showing our desire to be praised a second time.
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