Business Quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson
““In good company there is never such discourse between two, across the table, as takes place when you leave them alone. In good company, the individuals merge their egotism into a social soul exactly coextensive with the several consciousnesses there present. No partialities of friend to friend, no fondnesses of brother to sister, of wife to husband, are there pertinent, but quite otherwise. Only he may then speak who can sail on the common thought of the party, and not poorly limited to his own. Now this convention, which good sense demands, destroys the high freedom of great conversation, which requires an absolute running of two souls into one.””
About This Quote
Source Essay: “The Conduct of Life”, 1860
True companionship dissolves ego, creating a shared consciousness where ideas flow freely.
In simple terms: Good company merges minds, reducing ego.
Key Takeaway
Seek deep, ego‑free connections.
Themes
friendship
conversation
ego
collective consciousness
philosophy
Mood
thoughtful
philosophical
Type
reflective
inspirational
When to use this quote
- team meetings
- intimate gatherings
- creative workshops
- conflict resolution
Key Concepts
dialogue
social harmony
intimacy
Questions to Reflect On
- What conditions allow genuine shared thought without losing individuality?
- How can groups balance unity with personal expression?
A Different Perspective
Such merging can suppress individual dissent or authenticity.
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