We love flattery, even though we are not deceived by it, because it shows that we are of importance enough to be… — Ralph Waldo Emerson Copy Share Image
Thought and knowledge are natures in which apparatus and pretension avail nothing. Gowns, and pecuniary foundations, though of towns of gold, can… — Ralph Waldo Emerson Copy Share Image
Perhaps it is the lowest of the qualities of an orator, but it is, on so many occasions, of chief importance,--a certain… — Ralph Waldo Emerson Copy Share Image
Shall we then judge a country by the majority, or by the minority? By the minority, surely. 'Tis pedantry to estimate nations… — Ralph Waldo Emerson Copy Share Image
The first in time and the first in importance of the influences upon the mind is that of nature. Every day, the… — Ralph Waldo Emerson Copy Share Image
We all wish to be of importance in one way or another. The child coughs with might and main, since it has… — Ralph Waldo Emerson Copy Share Image
A man's personal defects will commonly have with the rest of the world precisely that importance which they have to himself. If… — Ralph Waldo Emerson Copy Share Image
Very idle is all curiosity concerning other people's estimate of us, and all fear of remaining unknown is not less so. — Ralph Waldo Emerson Copy Share Image
The permanence of all books is fixed by no effort friendly or hostile, but by their own specific gravity, or the intrinsic… — Ralph Waldo Emerson Copy Share Image
Society is the stage on which manners are shown; novels are the literature. Novels are the journal or record of manners; and… — Ralph Waldo Emerson Copy Share Image
An actually existing fly is more important than a possibly existing angel. — Ralph Waldo Emerson Copy Share Image
Let not the author eat up the man, so that he shall be all balcony and no house. — Ralph Waldo Emerson Copy Share Image
We are disgusted by gossip; yet it is of importance to keep the angels in their proprieties. — 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
