The incessant struggle of the mind to be true to itself, to absorb new truths, to grow, to overcome pressures--these are the painful portion of the independent thinker. Almost his sole reward is the satisfaction of integrity.

Ours is the age which is proud of machines that think and suspicious of men who try to.

If the equality of individuals and the dignity of man be myths, they are myths to which the republic is committed.

Except to heaven, she is nought; Except for angels, lone; Except to some wide-wandering bee, A flower superfluous blown; Except for winds, provincial; Except by butterflies, Unnoticed as a single dew That on the acre lies

The incessant struggle of the mind to be true to itself, to absorb new truths, to grow, to overcome pressures--these are the painful portion of the independent thinker. Almost his sole reward is the satisfaction of integrity.

Persecution is the first law of society because it is always easier to suppress criticism than to meet it.

Emerson then incarnated the moral optimism, the progress, and the energy of the American spirit.