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Clans Quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson

“O, when I am safe in my sylvan home, I mock at the pride of Greece and Rome; And when I am stretch'd beneath the pines When the evening star so holy shines, I laugh at the lore and pride of man, At the Sophist's schools, and the learned clan; For what are they all in their high conceit, When man…” quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson
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“O, when I am safe in my sylvan home, I mock at the pride of Greece and Rome; And when I am stretch'd beneath the pines When the evening star so holy shines, I laugh at the lore and pride of man, At the Sophist's schools, and the learned clan; For what are they all in their high conceit, When man in the bush with God may meet?”

Ralph Waldo Emerson

About This Quote

In nature’s safety, the poet mocks human pride and intellectual pretensions, suggesting true wisdom lies beyond civilization.

In simple terms: Nature reveals the folly of human arrogance.

Key Takeaway

Seek humility and connection with the natural world.

Themes

nature pride humility

Mood

reflective serene

Type

poetic philosophical

When to use this quote

  • hiking
  • meditation
  • environmental activism

Key Concepts

philosophy spirituality civilization

Questions to Reflect On

  • What does humility look like for you?
  • How can you balance nature and society?
A Different Perspective

It may romanticize nature over human achievement.

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