Quotes from Ralph Waldo Emerson
A foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of little minds, adored by little statesmen and philosophers and divines. With consistency a great soul has simply nothing to do. He may as well concern himself with his shadow on the wall.
- Ralph Waldo Emerson
Character is always known. Thefts never enrich; alms never impoverish; murder will speak out of stone walls.
- Ralph Waldo Emerson
What lies behind us and what lies ahead of us are tiny matters compared to what lives within us.
- Ralph Waldo Emerson
The angels are so enamored of the language that is spoken in heaven that they will not distort their lips with the hissing and unmusical dialects of men, but speak their own, whether their be any who understand it or not.
- Ralph Waldo Emerson
Obedience alone gives the right to command.
- Ralph Waldo Emerson
In the presence of nature, a wild delight runs through the man, in spite of real sorrows.
- Ralph Waldo Emerson
Self-sacrifice is the real miracle out of which all the reported miracles grow.
- Ralph Waldo Emerson
Books are the best of things, well used; abused, among the worst. What is the right use? What is the one end, which all means go to effect? They are for nothing but to inspire.
- Ralph Waldo Emerson
Great men are they who see that spiritual is stronger than material force, that thoughts rule the world.
- Ralph Waldo Emerson
Every great and commanding movement in the annals of the world is the triumph of enthusiasm.
- Ralph Waldo Emerson
Don't waste life in doubts and fears; spend yourself on the work before you, well assured that the right performance of this hour's duties will be the best preparation for the hours and ages that will follow it.
- Ralph Waldo Emerson
Men achieve a certain greatness unawares, when working to another aim.
- Ralph Waldo Emerson