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Age Quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson

“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

Source Essay: "The Poet" by Ralph Waldo Emerson, 1844

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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