The one thing in the world, of value, is the active soul
Interpretation
The quote emphasizes that the most valuable asset one can possess is a passionate and engaged spirit.
Ralph Waldo Emerson suggests that the essence of a person's worth is not found in material possessions, status, or superficial accomplishments, but rather in the vibrancy and activity of their soul. An 'active soul' signifies a person who is engaged, aware, and passionately pursues their interests and values, contributing positively to themselves and the world around them.
In practice
In a motivational speech about personal growth.
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?
When you repeat a mistake, it is not a mistake anymore: it is a decision.
If to live is to progress, if you are lucky, from foolishness to wisdom, then to write novels is to broadcast the various stages of your foolishness.
The reason why many are still troubled, still seeking, still making little forward progress is because they haven't yet come to the end of themselves. We're still trying to give orders, and interfering with God's work within us.
Do the things you know, and you shall learn the truth you need to know.
A half-truth masquerading as the whole truth becomes a complete untruth.
It is always a mistake to be plain-spoken.
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