Quotes from Ralph Waldo Emerson

The evolution of a highly destined society must be moral; it must run in the grooves of the celestial wheels.

There is a genius of a nation, which is not to be found in the numerical citizens, but which characterizes the society.

When a man meets his make, society begins.

Every man is a consumer and ought to be a producer.

The love that you withhold is the pain that you carry.

Great men are they who see that spiritual is stronger than any material force - that thoughts rule the world.

What your heart thinks is great, is great. The soul's emphasis is always right.

Everything in our world, even a drop of dew, is a microcosm of the universe.

Every calamity is a spur and a valuable hint.

We ask for long life, but 'tis deep life, or noble moments that signify. Let the measure of time be spiritual, not mechanical.

I am become a transparent eyeball.

If two or three persons should come with a high spiritual aim and with great powers, the world would fall into their hands like a ripe peach.

Let us be silent, that we may hear the whisper of God.

A man is a hero, not because he is braver than anyone else, but because he is brave for ten minutes longer.

No member of a crew is praised for the rugged individuality of his rowing.

Life is a perpetual instruction in cause and effect.

It is one of the beautiful compensations in this life that no one can sincerely try to help another without helping himself.

One of the illusions of life is that the present hour is not the critical, decisive one.

I wish that life should not be cheap, but sacred. I wish the days to be as centuries, loaded, fragrant.

Life wastes itself whilst we are preparing to live.

That which dominates our imagination and our thoughts will determine our life and character.

What we call results are beginnings.

The best of life is conversation, and the greatest success is confidence, or perfect understanding between sincere people.

Life is short but there is always time for courtesy.