Artificial Quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson
“Cities force growth and make men talkative and entertaining, but they make them artificial. What possesses interest for us is thenatural of each, his constitutional excellence. This is forever a surprise, engaging and lovely; we cannot be satiated with knowing it, and about it; and it is this which the conversation with Nature cherishes and guards.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: Self-Reliance, 1841
Cities accelerate growth but can strip away natural authenticity, prompting a yearning for genuine, uncontrived experience.
In simple terms: Cities foster growth yet make people artificial, sparking a desire for natural authenticity.
Key Takeaway
Balance urban life with authentic self‑expression.
Themes
urbanization
authenticity
nature
human nature
Mood
contemplative
inspired
Type
philosophical
motivational
When to use this quote
- career planning
- urban design
- personal development
- educational curricula
- creative retreats
Key Concepts
philosophy
social critique
existentialism
Questions to Reflect On
- How does city life affect your true self?
- What practices preserve natural excellence amid urban pressures?
A Different Perspective
Urban environments can also nurture authenticity through community.
