19th century Quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson
““Everybody we know surrounds himself with a fine house, fine books, conservatory, gardens, equipage, and all manner of toys, as screens to interpose between himself and his guest. Does it not seem as if man was of a very sly, elusive nature, and dreaded nothing so much as a full rencontre front to front with his fellow?””
About This Quote
Source Essay: Self‑Reliance, 1841
People surround themselves with material comforts that act as barriers, preventing genuine connection with others.
In simple terms: Material things keep us apart from real human contact.
Key Takeaway
Seek authentic relationships over possessions.
Themes
society
materialism
connection
Mood
reflective
critical
Type
philosophical
social
When to use this quote
- social gatherings
- minimalist living
- community building
Key Concepts
alienation
authenticity
social critique
Questions to Reflect On
- How do possessions affect your relationships?
- Can you foster intimacy without material distractions?
A Different Perspective
Not all material goods are harmful; context matters.
![“. . . Luddites were those frenzied traditionalists of the early 19th century who toured [England] wrecking new weaving machines on the theory that if they were destroyed . . . old jobs and old ways of life could be preserved . . . At certain times in his life each man is tempted to become a…” quote by James A. Michener](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/182/james-a-michener-1627_19th-century_luddites-were-those-frenzied-traditional_76909.jpg)
