Quotes from Ralph Waldo Emerson

Jesus Christ belonged to the true race of prophets. He saw with open eye the mystery of the soul. Drawn by its severe harmony, ravished with its beauty, he lived in it and had his being there. Alone in all history, he estimated the greatness of man.

Every mind must make its choice between truth and repose. It cannot have both.

The disease with which the human mind now labors is want of faith

Discontent is want of self-reliance; it is infirmity of will.

No man can have society upon his own terms.

Judicious praise is to children what the sun is to flowers. Christian Bovee A little praise Goes a great ways.

The flowering of geometry.

The end of the human race will be that it will eventually die of civilization.

A sufficient measure of civilization is the influence of good women.

If you would lift me you must be on a higher ground.

We are reformers in spring and summer; in autumn and winter we stand by the old; reformers in the morning, conservers at night. Reform is affirmative, conservatism negative; conservatism goes for comfort, reform for truth.

I wish to say what I think and feel today, with the proviso that tomorrow perhaps I shall contradict it all.