Approach Quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson
“Some men at the approach of a dispute neigh like horses. Unless there be an argument, they think nothing is doing. Some talkers excel in the precision with which they formulate their thoughts, so that you get from them somewhat to remember; others lay criticism asleep by a charm. Especially women use words that are not words,--as steps in a dance are not steps,--but reproduce the genius of that they speak of; as the sound of some bells makes us think of the bell merely, whilst the church chimes in the distance bring the church and its serious memories before us.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: Self‑Reliance, 1841
Some argue without debate, others speak eloquently without substance; language can be decorative, masking deeper meaning.
In simple terms: Words can be decorative, lacking substance.
Key Takeaway
Seek depth over style.
Themes
communication
language
substance
gender dynamics
Mood
analytical
critical
Type
philosophical
reflective
When to use this quote
- public speaking
- writing
- media analysis
Key Concepts
rhetoric
critical thinking
Questions to Reflect On
- How do we distinguish style from substance?
- When does eloquence become empty?
A Different Perspective
Elegant language may conceal emptiness, reducing clarity.
