Power ceases in the instant of repose; it resides in the moment of transition from a past to a new state, in the shooting of the gulf, in the darting to an aim.
Interpretation
True power is found in moments of change and transition, rather than in stillness.
Ralph Waldo Emerson's quote emphasizes that power is not a constant state but something that emerges during periods of change. It highlights the importance of being proactive and dynamic, illustrating that the ability to move from one state to another—whether in thoughts, actions, or circumstances—is where true strength lies.
In practice
This quote can be used in a motivational speech to inspire people during times of change.
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?
Who makes us ignorant? We ourselves. We put our hands over our eyes and weep that it is dark.
He has a right to criticize, who has a heart to help.
In difficult times carry something beautiful in your heart.
To listen is very hard, because it asks of us so much interior stability that we no longer need to prove ourselves by speeches, arguments, statements or declarations. True listeners no longer have an inner need to make their presence known. They are free to receive, welcome, to accept.
It is always advisable to perceive clearly our ignorance.
Life does not owe you anything, because life has already given you everything.
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