Adviser Quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson
““I remember an answer which when quite young I was prompted to make to a valued adviser who was wont to importune me with the dear old doctrines of the church. On my saying, What have I to do with the sacredness of traditions, if I live wholly from within? my friend suggested--'But these impulses may be from below, not from above.' I replied, 'They do not seem to me to be such; but if I am the devil's child, I will live them from the devil.””
About This Quote
Source Essay: Self-Reliance, 1841
The quote challenges the authority of tradition, urging inner authenticity over external doctrine.
In simple terms: Live by inner truth, not imposed traditions.
Key Takeaway
Trust your inner voice.
Themes
individualism
authenticity
spirituality
Mood
reflective
introspective
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- personal decision making
- spiritual practice
- ethical dilemmas
Key Concepts
self-reliance
inner guidance
moral autonomy
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you discern inner guidance from cultural conditioning?
- When is tradition a useful guide?
A Different Perspective
May overlook valuable wisdom embedded in tradition.
