The State must follow, and not lead, the character and progress of the citizen. — Ralph Waldo Emerson Copy Share Image
There is a genius of a nation, which is not to be found in the numerical citizens, but which characterizes the society. — Ralph Waldo Emerson Copy Share Image
I wish that friendship should have feet, as well as eyes and eloquence. It must plant itself on the ground, before it… — Ralph Waldo Emerson Copy Share Image
An orchard, good tillage, good grounds, seem a fixture, like a gold mine, or a river, to a citizen; but to a… — Ralph Waldo Emerson Copy Share Image
The teaching of politics is that the Government, which was set for protection and comfort of all good citizens, becomes the principal… — Ralph Waldo Emerson Copy Share Image
Let ideas establish their legitimate sway again in society, let life be fair and poetic, and the scholars will gladly be lovers,… — Ralph Waldo Emerson Copy Share Image
Human society is made up of partialities. Each citizen has an interest and a view of his own, which, if followed out… — Ralph Waldo Emerson Copy Share Image
In dealing with the State, we ought to remember that its institutions are not aboriginal, though they existed before we were born;… — Ralph Waldo Emerson Copy Share Image
There was never a man born so wise or good, but one or more companions came into the world with him, who… — Ralph Waldo Emerson Copy Share Image
Without looking, then, to those extraordinary social influences which are now acting in precisely this direction, but only at whatis inevitably doing… — Ralph Waldo Emerson Copy Share Image
But the wise know that foolish legislation is a rope of sand, which perishes in the twisting; that the State must follow,… — Ralph Waldo Emerson Copy Share Image
I hear therefore with joy whatever is beginning to be said of the dignity and necessity of labor to every citizen. There… — Ralph Waldo Emerson Copy Share Image
We live in a very low state of the world, and pay unwilling tribute to government founded on force. There is not,… — Ralph Waldo Emerson Copy Share Image
Society is an illusion to the young citizen. It lies before him in rigid repose, with certain names, men, and institutions, rootedlike… — Ralph Waldo Emerson Copy Share Image
The history of mankind interests us only as it exhibits a steady gain of truth and right, in the incessant conflict which it records… — Ralph Waldo Emerson Copy Share
If we will not interfere with our thought, but will act entirely, or see how the thing stands in God, we know the particular… — Ralph Waldo Emerson Copy Share
If there is any period one would desire to be born in, is it not the age of Revolution; when the old and the… — Ralph Waldo Emerson Copy Share
A man cannot speak but he judges himself. With his will or against his will he draws his portrait to the eye of his… — Ralph Waldo Emerson Copy Share
Consideration is the soil in which wisdom may be expected to grow, and strength be given to every up-springing plant of duty. — Ralph Waldo Emerson Copy Share
“There is then creative reading as well as creative writing. When the mind is braced by labor and invention, the page of whatever book… — Ralph Waldo Emerson Copy Share
Another success is the post-office, with its educating energy augmented by cheapness and guarded by a certain religious sentimentin mankind; so that the power… — Ralph Waldo Emerson Copy Share
A child reminds us that playtime is an essential part of our daily routine. — Ralph Waldo Emerson Copy Share
No man can be criticised but by a greater than he. Do not, then, read the reviews. — Ralph Waldo Emerson Copy Share
Coal lay in ledges under the ground since the Flood, until a laborer with pick and windlass brings it to the surface. We may… — Ralph Waldo Emerson Copy Share
In a library we are surrounded by many hundreds of dear friends, but they are imprisoned by an enchanter in these paper and leathern… — Ralph Waldo Emerson Copy Share
The compensations of calamity are made apparent to the understanding also, after long intervals of time. A fever, a mutilation, a cruel disappointment, a… — Ralph Waldo Emerson Copy Share
