Beautiful Quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson
“Defect in manners is usually the defect of fine perceptions. Men are too coarsely made for the delicacy of beautiful carriage and customs. It is not quite sufficient to good breeding, a union of kindness and independence.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: Self-Reliance, 1841
Fine sensitivity is often at odds with coarse human nature, requiring both kindness and independence for true refinement.
In simple terms: Delicate sensibilities clash with rough humanity.
Key Takeaway
Cultivate kindness and independence.
Themes
refinement
human nature
kindness
Mood
reflective
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- personal relationships
- social etiquette
- self-improvement
Key Concepts
philosophy
psychology
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we balance kindness with independence?
- Can refinement be taught?
A Different Perspective
Human nature may limit the reach of refined perception.
![“Teaching might even be the greatest of the arts since the medium is the human mind and spirit. My three [great teachers] did not tell - they catalyzed a burning desire to know. Under their influence, the horizons sprung wide and fear went away and the unknown became knowable. But most important of…” quote by John Steinbeck](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/84c/john-steinbeck-71_art_teaching-might-even-be-the-greatest-of-t_1738.jpg)
