I covet truth; beauty is unripe childhood's cheat; I leave it behind with the games of youth.
Interpretation
The quote expresses a desire for truth over superficial beauty, suggesting personal growth beyond youthful illusions.
In this quote, Ralph Waldo Emerson reflects on the importance of pursuing truth and wisdom as one matures. He contrasts the allure of beauty, which he equates to the naΓ―vetΓ© of childhood and youthful games, with the deeper and more meaningful pursuit of truth that comes with maturity. Emerson suggests that while beauty may charm and captivate in youth, it is ultimately the quest for truth that leads to a more authentic and fulfilling life.
In practice
A speaker addressing students at a graduation ceremony could use this quote to inspire them to seek deeper truths as they venture into adulthood.
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?
Do not allow your heart to take pleasure with the praises of people, nor be saddened by their condemnation.
Give them great meals of beef and iron and steel, they will eat like wolves and fight like devils.
You always want to quit while you are ahead. You don't want to be like a fighter who stays too long in the ring until you're not performing at your best.
So he tasted the deep pain that is reserved only for the strong, just as he had tasted for a little while the deep happiness.
Nothing is more characteristically juvenile than contempt for juvenility. . . youth's characteristic chronological snobbery.
Of all that writ, he was the wisest bard, who spoke this mighty truth- He that knew all that ever learning writ, Knew only this-that he knew nothing yet.
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