Go out of the house to see the moon, and 't is mere tinsel; it will not please as when its light shines upon your necessary journey. The beauty that shimmers in the yellow afternoons of October, who could ever clutch it? Go forth to find it, and it is gone: 't is only a mirage as you look from the windows of diligence.
Ralph Waldo Emerson[on Thoreau:] For not a particle of respect had he to the opinions of any man or body of men, but homage solely to truth itself.
Ralph Waldo EmersonGreat country, diminutive minds. America is formless, has no terrible and no beautiful condensation.
Ralph Waldo EmersonDo not be too timid and squeamish about your actions. All life is an experiment. The more experiments you make the better. What if they are a little coarse and you may get your coat soiled or torn? What if you do fail, and get fairly rolled in the dirt once or twice? Up again, you shall never be so afraid of a tumble.
Ralph Waldo Emerson