Aim Quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson
“In our large cities, the population is godless, materialized,--no bond, no fellow-feeling, no enthusiasm. These are not men, but hungers, thirsts, fevers, and appetites walking. How is it people manage to live on,--so aimless as they are? After their peppercorn aims are gained, it seems as if the lime in their bones alone held them together, and not any worthy purpose.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: Self-Reliance, 1841
Urban life can feel empty, driven by base desires rather than higher purpose, leading to aimlessness.
In simple terms: Cities can lack meaning, driven by desire.
Key Takeaway
Seek purpose beyond material wants.
Themes
alienation
materialism
meaninglessness
Mood
reflective
somber
Type
philosophical
critical
When to use this quote
- career dissatisfaction
- urban planning
- personal development
- community building
Key Concepts
existentialism
social critique
Questions to Reflect On
- What deeper purpose can you cultivate?
- How can community foster shared meaning?
A Different Perspective
Purpose cannot be imposed; individuals must find their own meaning.
![“[On neighbors looking over his camper:] I saw in their eyes something I was to see over and over in every part of the nation--a burning desire to go, to move, to get under way, anyplace, away from any here... nearly every American hungers to move.” quote by John Steinbeck](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/ab6/john-steinbeck-71_burning-desire_on-neighbors-looking-over-his-camper-i-s_684955.jpg)
![“He [an earnest young reporter] seemed to share the view of many intelligent, well-educated, well-meaning people that, while adult literature may aim to be art, the object of children's books is to whip the little rascals into shape.” quote by Katherine Paterson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/2cf/katherine-paterson-2365_adults_he-an-earnest-young-reporter-seemed-to-s_6101.jpg)
![“I really enjoyed it - being involved in watching rushes and playback [in "The Invisible Woman"]. Ralph [Fiennes] was very open to my input, I think knowing that he couldn't always be there 100 percent, that he had dual aims with directing and acting.” quote by Felicity Jones](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/56e/felicity-jones-2070_acting_i-really-enjoyed-it-being-involved-in-wa_11933.jpg)
