There is ever a slight suspicion of the burlesque about earnest good men. — Ralph Waldo Emerson Copy Share Image
A man is not to aim at innocence, any more than he is to aim at hair, but he is to keep… — Ralph Waldo Emerson Copy Share Image
Whatever games are played with us, we must play no games with ourselves, but deal in our privacy with the last honesty… — Ralph Waldo Emerson Copy Share Image
Each man takes care that his neighbor shall not cheat him. But a day comes when he begins to care that he… — Ralph Waldo Emerson Copy Share Image
Work and thou canst escape the reward; whether the work be fine or course, planting corn or writing epics, so only it… — Ralph Waldo Emerson Copy Share Image
In failing circumstances no one can be relied on to keep their integrity. — Ralph Waldo Emerson Copy Share Image
But to most of us society shows not its face and eye, but its side and back. To stand in true relations… — Ralph Waldo Emerson Copy Share Image
Thefts never enrich; alms never impoverish; murder will speak out of stone walls. The least admixture of a lie-for example, the taint… — Ralph Waldo Emerson Copy Share Image
The highest compact we can make with our fellow is - "Let there be truth between us two forevermore." — Ralph Waldo Emerson Copy Share Image
The solar system has no anxiety about its reputation, and the credit of truth and honesty is as safe; nor have I… — Ralph Waldo Emerson Copy Share Image
Every violation of truth is not only a sort of suicide in the liar, but is a stab at the health of… — Ralph Waldo Emerson Copy Share Image
The essence of all jokes, of all comedy, seems to be an honest or well intended halfness; a non performance of that… — Ralph Waldo Emerson Copy Share Image
If men would avoid that general language and general manner in which they strive to hide all that is peculiar, and would… — Ralph Waldo Emerson Copy Share Image
You must pay for conformity. All goes well as long as you run with conformists. But you, who are honest men in… — Ralph Waldo Emerson Copy Share Image
When a man speaks the truth in the spirit of truth, his eye is as clear as the heavens. When he has… — Ralph Waldo Emerson Copy Share Image
Congratulate yourself if you have done something strange, extravagant and broken the monotony. — Ralph Waldo Emerson Copy Share Image
Nature forever puts a premium on reality. What is done for effect is seen to be done for effect; what is done… — Ralph Waldo Emerson Copy Share Image
We commonly say that the rich man can speak the truth, can afford honesty, can afford independence of opinion and action;and thatis… — Ralph Waldo Emerson Copy Share Image
Every great institution is the lengthened shadow of a single man. His character determines the character of the organization. — Ralph Waldo Emerson Copy Share Image
Yet a man may love a paradox, without losing either his wit or his honesty. — Ralph Waldo Emerson Copy Share Image
Self-sacrifice is the real miracle out of which all the reported miracles grow. Do not go where the path may lead, go… — 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 Image
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 Image
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 Image
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 Image
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 Image
“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 Image
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 Image
A child reminds us that playtime is an essential part of our daily routine. — Ralph Waldo Emerson Copy Share Image
No man can be criticised but by a greater than he. Do not, then, read the reviews. — Ralph Waldo Emerson Copy Share Image
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 Image
