We see the world piece by piece, as the sun, the moon, the animal, the tree; but the whole, of which these are shining parts, is the soul.
Interpretation
We perceive the world in fragments, but together they form a greater essence or soul.
Ralph Waldo Emerson's quote reflects on the nature of perception and existence, suggesting that while we observe the world through individual elements such as the sun, the moon, animals, and trees, these entities collectively contribute to a larger spiritual truth or essence, referred to as the 'soul.' This comparison underscores the interconnectedness of all things and invites contemplation of the deeper meanings that arise when we consider the world as a cohesive whole rather than isolated parts.
In practice
In a discussion about environmental conservation, you might use this quote to illustrate the interconnectedness of nature.
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?
Why does the past seem so magical, so fraught, so luminous? At the time it was just, ugh, another boring bloody day. But, to look back on, it's a day full of miracles and light and extraordinary events. Why is this? What process do we apply to the past, to give it this vividness? I don't know.
The best measure of a man's honesty isn't his income tax return. It's the zero adjust on his bathroom scale.
You can neither lie to a neighbourhood park, nor reason with it. 'Artist's conceptions' and persuasive renderings can put pictures of life into proposed neighbourhood parks or park malls, and verbal rationalizations can conjure up users who ought to appreciate them, but in real life only diverse surroundings have the practical power of inducing a natural, continuing flow of life and use.
True patriotism is better than the wrong kind of piety.
I consider the difference between a system founded on _x000D_ the legislatures only, and one founded on the people, to be the true difference between a league or treaty and a constitution.
Good' did not triumph. 'Evil' did not triumph. The two resolved, destroyed each other and created new 'evils', new 'goods' which slew each other in their turn.
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