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But I cannot recite, even thus rudely, laws of the…

“But I cannot recite, even thus rudely, laws of the intellect, without remembering that lofty and sequestered class of men who have been its prophets and oracles, the high-priesthood of the pure reason, the Trismegisti, the expounders of the principles of thought from age to age.” quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson
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“But I cannot recite, even thus rudely, laws of the intellect, without remembering that lofty and sequestered class of men who have been its prophets and oracles, the high-priesthood of the pure reason, the Trismegisti, the expounders of the principles of thought from age to age.”

Ralph Waldo Emerson

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Intellect’s foundations are shaped by a lineage of profound thinkers, the “high priesthood” of pure reason, whose teachings persist across ages.

In simple terms: Great minds guide our thinking.

Key Takeaway

Study classic philosophy.

Themes

intellect tradition philosophy

Mood

reflective inquisitive

Type

philosophical inspirational

When to use this quote

  • academic study
  • personal reflection
  • teaching
  • writing
  • debate

Key Concepts

epistemology history of ideas

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you honor intellectual tradition?
  • What modern ideas replace old doctrines?
A Different Perspective

Modern science challenges some ancient assumptions.

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