Cities Quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson
“The clergyman who lives in the city may have piety, but he must have taste.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: Self-Reliance, 1841
Urban clergy may be devout, but they also need aesthetic discernment to avoid superficiality.
In simple terms: City priests need both faith and good taste.
Key Takeaway
Cultivate both spirituality and cultural refinement.
Themes
faith
culture
urban life
Mood
reflective
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- church leadership
- community events
- personal development
Key Concepts
aesthetic discernment
balance
integrity
Questions to Reflect On
- How can religious leaders integrate cultural taste without compromising doctrine?
- What role does aesthetic sense play in spiritual leadership?
A Different Perspective
Taste alone cannot replace deep conviction.
![“Just between you and me, shouldn’t the World Bank be encouraging MORE migration of the dirty industries to the LDCs [Less Developed Countries]?... I think the economic logic behind dumping a load of toxic waste in the lowest wage country is impeccable and we should face up to that... I’ve always…” quote by Lawrence Summers](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/ac4/lawrence-summers-16940_air_just-between-you-and-me-shouldn-t-the-wo_4703.jpg)
