Children Quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson
““Whilst I adore this ineffable life which is at my heart, it will not condescend to gossip with me, it will not announce to me any particulars of science, it will not enter into the details of my biography, and say to me why I have a son and daughters born to me, or why my son dies in his sixth year of life. Herein, then I have this latent omniscience coexistent with omnigorance. Moreover, whilst this Deity glows at the heart, and by his unlimited presentiments gives me all Power, I know that to-morrow will be as this day, I am a dwarf, and I remain a dwarf. That is to say, I believe in Fate. As long as I am weak, I shall talk of Fate; whenever the God fills me with his fullness, I shall see the disappearance of Fate. I am defeated all the time; yet to Victory I am born.””
About This Quote
Source Essay: Self-Reliance, 1841
The speaker sees life as a mysterious, indifferent force, acknowledging fate while seeking divine power, feeling both powerless and victorious.
In simple terms: Life feels mysterious and fate‑bound, yet divine strength offers hope.
Key Takeaway
Accept limits, seek inner strength.
Themes
fate
divine power
human limitation
self‑reflection
Mood
contemplative
hopeful
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- personal crisis
- creative work
- spiritual practice
- decision making
Key Concepts
existentialism
spirituality
self‑reliance
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you balance acceptance of fate with personal agency?
- What role does divine inspiration play in your goals?
A Different Perspective
Divine power may be illusory; fate may dominate despite effort.
![“[...] And suddenly Vincent clearly realised what his subconsciousness had known for a long time. All the talks about God are just childish elusion, just a lie that calms a scared and lonely ordinary mortal in a dark and neverending night. There is no God. Sure as fate - there is no God. There is…” quote by Irving Stone](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/188/irving-stone-3288_death_and-suddenly-vincent-clearly-realised-wh_1803758.jpg)
