Doe Quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson
“Murder in the murderer is no such ruinous thought as poets and romancers will have it; it does not unsettle him, or fright him from his ordinary notice of trifles; it is an act quite easy to be contemplated.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: Self-Reliance, 1841
The thought of murder does not disturb a true poet; they can contemplate it calmly without being unsettled by trivialities.
In simple terms: Poets can think about murder without being shaken.
Key Takeaway
Recognize that intellectual detachment can coexist with moral awareness.
Themes
philosophy
ethics
creativity
Mood
thoughtful
reflective
Type
philosophical
literary
When to use this quote
- literary analysis
- psychological study
- creative writing
Key Concepts
moral contemplation
detachment
Questions to Reflect On
- How does artistic detachment affect moral judgment?
- Can one be both creative and ethically aware?
A Different Perspective
Even detached contemplation may still be morally troubling.
