Constitution Quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson
“The pest of society are the egotist, they are dull and bright, sacred and profane, course and fine. It is a disease that like the flu falls on all constitutions.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: Self-Reliance, 1841
Egotism spreads through society like a contagious disease, affecting all people regardless of status.
In simple terms: Selfishness harms everyone.
Key Takeaway
Beware and curb ego.
Themes
ego
society
disease
Mood
critical
reflective
Type
philosophical
observational
When to use this quote
- political discourse
- workplace dynamics
- family relationships
- community activism
Key Concepts
human nature
psychology
social contagion
Questions to Reflect On
- How does ego manifest in your community?
- Can selfishness ever be productive?
A Different Perspective
Ego can also drive innovation, so not all self‑interest is harmful.
![“Next came the Patent laws. These began in England in 1624; and, in this country, with the adoption of our constitution. Before then [these?], any man might instantly use what another had invented; so that the inventor had no special advantage from his own invention. The patent system changed this…” quote by Abraham Lincoln](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/449/abraham-lincoln-88_adoption_next-came-the-patent-laws-these-began-in_1828.jpg)
