Activity Quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson
“There are many faculties in man, each of which takes its turn of activity, and that faculty which is paramount in any period and exerts itself through the strongest nation, determines the civility of that age: and each age thinks its own the perfection of reason.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: The American Scholar, 1837
The dominant intellectual faculty of an era shapes its civilization and defines its notion of rational perfection.
In simple terms: Era’s leading mind defines its culture.
Key Takeaway
Cultivate diverse thinking.
Themes
culture
intellect
history
Mood
thoughtful
analytical
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- education reform
- policy making
- artistic movements
Key Concepts
civilizational dynamics
epistemology
Questions to Reflect On
- Which faculty dominates today?
- How can we broaden intellectual horizons?
A Different Perspective
Dominant ideas can suppress minority voices.
